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–+ servings
Raspberry Pretzel Salad slice with pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, and raspberry Jello topping

Raspberry Pretzel Salad

A nostalgic layered dessert with a crunchy pretzel crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, and a glossy raspberry Jello topping studded with frozen raspberries. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer BBQs!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings 12 squares
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups salted pretzels, crushed leave small chunks for crunch
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar for crust
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted for crust
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar for filling
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for brightness
  • 8 oz Cool Whip or homemade stabilized whipped cream
  • 6 oz raspberry Jello
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 4 cups frozen raspberries do not thaw

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust.
  • Bake for 12 minutes, then cool completely before adding the next layer.
  • Beat softened cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and fluffy.
  • Fold in Cool Whip gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
  • Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to press to the edges to form a seal.
  • Dissolve raspberry Jello in 2 cups boiling water until fully dissolved.
  • Stir in frozen raspberries. Let cool slightly until mixture is pourable but not hot.
  • Gently pour Jello mixture over cream cheese layer.
  • Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours, or until Jello is fully set.
  • Slice into squares and serve cold. Garnish with fresh raspberries or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese layer completely seals the crust to prevent Jello from seeping down and making it soggy. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as it alters the Jello texture. For variations, try swapping in strawberries, cherries, or blueberries, or add fresh fruit or marshmallows to the Jello layer.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 2gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
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