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Cranberry Pretzel Salad

Cranberry Pretzel Salad: A Festive No-Bake Delight

Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a festive no-bake dessert that combines crunchy pretzels, creamy layers, and fruity goodness, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: DESSERTS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 6 cups Pretzel Minis Substitution: Use crushed regular pretzels if minis are unavailable.
  • ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
  • ¼ cup Dark Brown Sugar packed
  • ½ cup Salted Butter melted
Cream Cheese Layer
  • 1½ cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 brick/8 oz Cream Cheese very soft
  • 1 tub/8 oz Cool Whip Alternatively, use homemade whipped cream.
  • ½ teaspoon Almond Extract Substitution: Vanilla extract can be used for a different flavor profile.
  • ½ teaspoon Lemon Juice
Jello Layer
  • 1½ cups Water Essential for dissolving the Jello.
  • 1 package/6 oz Raspberry Jello Powder Forms the fruity top layer.
  • 1 can/28 oz Whole Cranberry Sauce Adds a tart fruitiness to the Jello layer.

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13-inch casserole dish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the Dish: Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures easy serving and cleanup.
  2. Make the Crust: Crush the pretzels in a food processor until fine. Mix with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the dish. Chill for 1 hour to set.
  3. Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the chilled crust and refrigerate for another hour.
  4. Prepare the Jello: Boil 1½ cups of water and stir in the raspberry Jello powder until fully dissolved. Then, mix in the whole cranberry sauce until well blended.
  5. Assemble Salad: Carefully pour the Jello mixture over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out as needed. Cover and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.
  6. Serve: Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra pretzels if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Cranberry Pretzel Salad!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: For an extra touch, add fresh cranberries or sliced almonds on top for garnish. Ensure each layer is well chilled before adding the next to maintain distinct layers.

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