Name: Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups chopped pretzels; 1/4 cup white sugar; 3/4 cup butter, melted; 1 cup white sugar; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (8 ounce) container cool whip; 1 (6 ounce) package raspberry Jello; 2 cups boiling water; 1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries

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Introduction

Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors with a creamy texture and a crunchy crust. This layered dessert is perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or anytime you want a colorful and refreshing treat that’s easy to make.

A white rectangular dish filled with a single thick layer of bright red raspberry sauce, containing visible whole raspberries and crushed raspberry bits scattered throughout, giving a textured and chunky look. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a few small brown pretzels around the edges and a white bowl filled with fresh raspberries partly visible at the top right corner alongside a blue and white striped cloth. The sauce layer is smooth and shiny, with the raspberries adding a rough, uneven texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups chopped pretzels
1/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup white sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 (8 ounce) container cool whip
1 (6 ounce) package raspberry Jello
2 cups boiling water
1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine chopped pretzels, 1/4 cup white sugar, and melted butter. Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Press the pretzel mixture firmly onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish to create an even crust.
Step 4: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the cream cheese layer by blending 1 cup sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
Step 6: Fold in the cool whip gently to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Step 7: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure it touches all sides of the pan to prevent the Jello layer from leaking underneath.
Step 8: Chill the dish in the refrigerator while preparing the Jello topping.
Step 9: In a medium bowl, dissolve the raspberry Jello in 2 cups boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
Step 10: Add frozen raspberries to the Jello mixture and stir until they begin to thaw and the mixture thickens to an egg white consistency (about 10 minutes).
Step 11: Pour the thickened raspberry Jello mixture gently over the cream cheese layer.
Step 12: Chill the entire dish until fully set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Press the pretzel crust firmly to avoid crumbling and ensure it bakes evenly.
Let the crust cool completely to prevent melting the cream cheese layer when spreading it.
For a tangier twist, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
You can use fresh raspberries instead of frozen, but thaw them slightly before adding to the Jello.
Replace the raspberry Jello with lime or strawberry for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best served chilled, so simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving again.

How to Serve

The image shows a three-layer dessert bar on a piece of parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crunchy mix of chopped nuts and pretzels in light brown and golden colors. The middle layer is thick and creamy white, looking soft and smooth. The top layer is a glossy red raspberry jelly with some raspberry pieces visible inside it. On the very top, there are two whole fresh raspberries, bright red and textured. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more raspberries, slightly out of focus, and part of a golden pretzel is visible at the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge to keep it fresh and maintain its layers.

Why does the crust become soggy sometimes?

If the cream cheese filling doesn’t touch all the edges of the crust, the Jello layer can seep underneath and make the crust soggy. Be sure to spread the cream cheese mixture fully to seal the edges.