Description
Pineapple Pretzel Salad is an irresistible dessert that combines a crunchy pretzel crust with a creamy filling and a fruity top layer. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and satisfies any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups mini pretzels, crushed
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 16 ounces whipped cream, thawed
- 1 cup water, boiling
- 40 ounces crushed pineapple, in 100% juice
- 6 ounces pineapple Jello
- 1 small can pineapple chunks, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels and ½ cup of the sugar, stirring to mix.
- Add melted butter to the pretzel mix and stir until well coated.
- Spread the pretzel mixture in the baking dish, pressing firmly to form a solid crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Mix in the remaining ¾ cup of sugar and vanilla after beating the cream cheese, continuing to blend for another minute.
- Gently fold in 12 ounces of whipped cream until fully combined with the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, sealing the edges.
- In another bowl, combine boiling water with pineapple Jello, stirring until dissolved.
- Drain one can of pineapple; add only the fruit to the Jello mixture. Add the second can (juice and all) to the mix and stir.
- Chill the Jello mixture for about 20 minutes until slightly thickened, then pour it over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello is fully set.
- Slice and serve with dollops of reserved Cool Whip and optional pineapple chunks.
Notes
Cool down the pretzel crust completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent sogginess.
Chilling time is crucial for the best texture; do not rush the setting process of the Jello.
The dessert can be topped with additional fruit or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg