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Cranberry Pretzel Salad

Cranberry Pretzel Salad: A Festive No-Bake Delight

Delight in the festive Cranberry Pretzel Salad, a vibrant no-bake dessert perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels substitute with gluten-free pretzels for gluten-free version
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar light brown sugar works as an alternative
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted use unsalted butter if controlling salt intake
For the Creamy Filling
  • 1 cup powdered sugar you can use more granulated sugar if necessary
  • 8 ounces cream cheese opt for vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip replace with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract vanilla extract is a suitable substitute
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice brightens the flavor profile
For the Jello Topping
  • 2 cups water dissolves the Jello powder
  • 1 package raspberry Jello powder use any berry-flavored Jello as an alternative
  • 1 cup whole cranberry sauce fresh cranberry puree can be made for a fresher taste

Equipment

  • 9x13 casserole dish
  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • small saucepan

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Line a 9x13 casserole dish with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray.
  2. Crush the pretzels into coarse pieces. Mix with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press into the dish and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  3. Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice until smooth. Spread over the crust and chill for another hour.
  4. Boil 2 cups of water, stir in raspberry Jello powder until dissolved. Add cranberry sauce and mix until smooth.
  5. Pour the Jello mixture over the cream cheese layer, cover, and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  6. Slice into squares and serve, optionally garnished with whipped cream or fresh cranberries.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure each layer has ample chilling time for the best texture. Avoid freezing the salad to maintain consistency.

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