Description
Pineapple Pretzel Salad is a delicious layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy whipped cream cheese middle, and a sweet pineapple gelatin topping. This crowd-pleasing treat combines salty and sweet flavors with a refreshing fruity finish, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs (about 2 cups crushed pretzels)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Pineapple Gelatin Layer
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (or any flavor you prefer)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Make Pretzel Crust: In a medium bowl, combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Form Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, creating the middle layer.
- Mix Pineapple Gelatin: In another bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and the package of strawberry gelatin. Stir well to mix.
- Spread Pineapple Layer: Spread the pineapple and gelatin mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until the gelatin layer is set and firm.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled. Slice and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dessert!
Notes
- Ensure the pretzel crust is fully cooled before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a rich and creamy texture.
- You can substitute the strawberry gelatin with other flavors like raspberry or cherry for variety.
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid a soggy gelatin layer.
- This dessert is best served within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
