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Creamy Cranberry Pretzel Salad

creamy cranberry pretzel salad - featured image
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This easy holiday dessert combines a salty pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a tart cranberry topping for a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for gatherings. It’s quick to make, festive, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups mini pretzels, crushed (about 180g)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (170g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225g)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240ml)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
  • 1/2 cup water (120ml)
  • 1 packet (3 oz) strawberry or raspberry gelatin (85g)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (optional, 120g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper (optional).
  2. Crush pretzels using a food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin until coarse crumbs remain.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until evenly coated.
  4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until golden. Cool completely (about 15 minutes).
  5. In a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 2 minutes).
  6. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
  7. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form (2-3 minutes).
  8. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture with a spatula.
  9. Spread creamy mixture over cooled pretzel crust. Chill in fridge at least 20 minutes.
  10. In a small saucepan, combine water and gelatin. Stir and heat gently until dissolved (about 2 minutes).
  11. Add cranberry sauce and stir until smooth. Fold in fresh or frozen cranberries if using.
  12. Allow mixture to cool slightly (about 10 minutes).
  13. Carefully spoon or pour cranberry mixture over cream cheese layer. Spread gently to edges.
  14. Chill in fridge at least 4 hours (overnight preferred) to set.
  15. Slice into squares or scoop to serve. Garnish with whole cranberries or crushed pretzels if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels. Let crust cool completely before layering. Chill overnight for best results. You can substitute gelatin flavors or add orange zest for a twist. Make ahead for easy serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry pretzel salad, holiday dessert, creamy salad, sweet and salty dessert, potluck recipe, Christmas dessert, Thanksgiving dessert

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-cranberry-pretzel-salad-recipe-easy-sweet-and-salty-holiday-dessert/