Description
The best Cranberry Pretzel Salad recipe! This no-fail holiday dessert features three perfect layers: a salty-sweet pretzel crust, a rich cream cheese center, and a tart cranberry Jello topping. A holiday classic!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups crushed pretzels
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 3 tablespoons + ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) tub of whipped topping, thawed
- 2 (3 ounce) packets of cranberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 (14 ounce) can of whole berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- While the crust bakes, dissolve the cranberry Jello in 2 cups of boiling water in a separate bowl. Stir in the can of whole berry cranberry sauce until combined. Set this mixture aside to cool to room temperature.
- Once the crust is completely cool, beat the softened cream cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in the thawed whipped topping gently until no streaks remain.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Use an offset spatula to spread it all the way to the edges, creating a complete seal. This prevents the Jello from leaking.
- Refrigerate the dish for 1 hour, or until the cream layer is firm and set.
- Once the Jello mixture is at room temperature (not hot!), slowly and gently pour it over the set cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello is completely firm.
- To serve, slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the crust and Jello mixture are completely cooled before assembling to prevent melting and a soggy crust.
- Sealing the edges of the pan with the cream cheese layer is the most important step!
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 281mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 32mg