Cranberry Pretzel Salad

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Cranberry Pretzel Salad

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and for our family, it often centers around our favorite dishes. One such treat is Cranberry Pretzel Salad, a blend of sweet, salty, creamy, and tangy goodness that has everyone coming back for seconds—and sometimes thirds! I first made this dessert for a Thanksgiving gathering a few years ago, and it quickly became a tradition we all look forward to. It brings together the perfect medley of flavors: a crunchy pretzel crust, a velvety cream cheese layer, and a refreshingly fruity cranberry topping.

What makes this dish so special in our home is how it evokes the holiday spirit with every bite. The crunch of the pretzels paired with the tartness of the cranberries feels like a playful celebration in your mouth. It’s one of those recipes that spark smiles as the kids race to be the first to dig in, and even the pickiest eaters can’t seem to resist. Whenever I make this, I’m reminded that simple yet delicious recipes can create the most cherished memories. Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a potluck with friends, this Cranberry Pretzel Salad has a way of making every occasion feel a little more joyful.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better if you make it the day before. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This gives the flavors time to meld and makes hosting a breeze.

Can I use different fruits or Jell-O flavors?
Absolutely. While cranberry is festive and delicious, you can swap it for strawberry, raspberry, or even pineapple Jell-O and adjust the topping to match.

Is there a gluten-free option?
You can substitute gluten-free pretzels to make this dish gluten-friendly. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be tasty.

Can I reduce the sugar content?
You can adjust the sugar in the cream cheese layer and even use sugar-free Jell-O if you’re looking to lighten it up.

What You Need to Make Cranberry Pretzel Salad:

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed pretzels

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the crust)

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar (for the cream cheese layer)

8 ounces whipped topping

2 packages cranberry Jell-O

2 cups cranberry sauce

Tools & Equipment:

9×13-inch baking dish

Electric mixer

Mixing bowls

Rubber spatula

How to Make It:

Prepare the Pretzel Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping. Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread this creamy layer evenly over the crust, making sure to seal the edges to prevent the Jell-O from seeping through.

Prepare the Cranberry Jell-O Layer: Dissolve the cranberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir in the cranberry sauce until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly (but not set) and then gently pour over the cream cheese layer.

Chill: Refrigerate the dish for at least 4 hours, or until the Jell-O is fully set. Slice and serve cold, enjoying the delightful layers!

Tips:

Seal the Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture to the edges of the dish to create a barrier that prevents the Jell-O from leaking into the crust.

Use Fresh Cranberries: For a homemade twist, make your own cranberry sauce for a fresher flavor.

Even Pretzel Layer: Press the pretzel crust firmly to ensure it holds together, but don’t crush it too fine; a little texture is good!

Latest Reviews:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this for Thanksgiving, and it was a total hit! The kids couldn’t get enough, and I loved how easy it was to make.” — Rachel L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for busy nights when you want something impressive but simple. Next time, I might add more whipped topping!” — John M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This has become a holiday tradition. The sweet and salty combo is perfection, and it’s always gone in minutes.” — Emily W.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I liked the flavors, but I think I’ll try a different fruit topping next time. It’s still a great recipe, though!” — Maria G.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy to make, and everyone raved about it at our Christmas party. Will be making this again soon!” — Karen B.

Printable Recipe:

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