Raspberry Pretzel Salad is a classic American layered dessert that masterfully combines sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity flavors. Despite its name, it’s not a salad in the traditional sense but a beloved potluck favorite, especially in the Midwest. This dish features a buttery crushed pretzel crust, a creamy whipped topping and cream cheese middle layer, and a vibrant raspberry gelatin topping packed with frozen raspberries. The contrast in textures and flavors makes it an unforgettable crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Crust Layer:
- 2 cups pretzels (crushed coarsely)
- ¾ cup butter ( melted , or margarine)
- 3 tbsp sugar
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- ¾ cup sugar
Jello Layer:
- 1 large (6 oz package raspberry gelatin)
- 2 cups hot water
- 20 oz frozen raspberries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Crust
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
- Press into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes and let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread evenly over cooled crust.
- Be sure to seal edges to prevent gelatin from leaking through.
Step 3: Prepare Raspberry Gelatin Layer
- Dissolve raspberry gelatin in 2 cups of hot water.
- Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add frozen raspberries and mix well.
- Let mixture partially set.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
- Carefully pour raspberry mixture over cream cheese layer.
- Chill in refrigerator until completely set (2–4 hours).
- Top with additional whipped topping if desired before serving.
Tips
- Use strawberry gelatin and frozen strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Add chopped nuts to the pretzel crust for extra crunch.
- Use fresh raspberries if preferred, but chill gelatin before adding.
- Substitute low-fat cream cheese or whipped topping for a lighter version.
Nutrition
Calories: 301kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 347mgPotassium: 154mgFiber: 4gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 283IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 1mg
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