Introduction

Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert that balances sweet, tart, and salty flavors with a creamy texture. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a show-stopping treat that’s simple to prepare.

A slice of dessert with three clear layers is shown on a white plate over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is crumbly and brown, looking like a nutty or cookie base. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and white, with a smooth texture. The top layer is bright red and jelly-like with a shiny surface. On top of the red layer, there is a dollop of white cream decorated with a pretzel. Another pretzel rests beside the dessert slice. A spoon holding a bite of the three layers sits on the plate in front of the slice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups pretzel minis or 2 cups pretzel crumbles
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
½ cup salted butter, melted
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 brick (8 oz) cream cheese, very soft
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip
½ teaspoon almond extract
½ teaspoon lemon juice
1 ½ cups water
1 package (6 oz) raspberry Jello powder
1 can (28 oz) whole cranberry sauce
Optional toppings: whipped cream, extra pretzels, fresh cranberries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Pulverize the pretzels using a blender or food processor for about 1 minute until you have 2 cups of coarse crumbles.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the pretzel crumbles with melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well.
Step 4: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish and press firmly to pack it down. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set the crust.
Step 5: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat together powdered sugar, cream cheese, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice until creamy. Spread this mixture over the chilled pretzel crust.
Step 6: Chill the dish again for 1 hour to let the filling set.
Step 7: Bring water to a boil, then stir in the raspberry Jello powder until fully dissolved. Immediately mix in the whole cranberry sauce until combined.
Step 8: Pour the cranberry Jello mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. If you like, spread the whole cranberries evenly.
Step 9: Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours to allow the layers to fully set.
Step 10: Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, extra pretzels, or fresh cranberries as desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a warm knife to slice the salad easily by running the blade under hot water before cutting.
Allow each layer to chill fully before adding the next to maintain clear, distinct layers.
For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the pretzel crust before adding the cream cheese layer.
Swap almond extract for vanilla extract if preferred.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve, as the pretzel crust can soften if left at room temperature too long. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A square dessert slice with three clear layers sits on a white plate with a silver fork on its left side; the bottom layer is a brown, crumbly crust with visible oats and nuts, the middle layer is thick and creamy white with a smooth texture that appears slightly fluffy, and the top layer is a glossy, deep red jelly with a slightly textured surface. A dollop of white cream is placed on top near the back right corner, crowned by a golden brown pretzel with light salt speckles; another pretzel leans gently against the slice on the front right side. In the background, a similar white plate with the same dessert is partially visible on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crushed regular pretzels instead of pretzel minis?

Yes, you can use regular pretzels crushed into coarse crumbs. Just crush enough to equal about 2 cups for the crust.

Is it necessary to chill each layer separately?

Chilling each layer helps the salad maintain its layered appearance and texture. Skipping chill times may cause the layers to blend together.