Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe moment you take a bite of this No-Bake Cranberry Pretzel Salad, you’ll find yourself in a delightful dance of flavor and texture. With a crunchy pretzel crust beneath a creamy layer and a fruity top finish, this dessert salad is not just a dish—it’s a celebration on a plate! Perfect for your Thanksgiving table or any festive gathering, this easy-to-make no-bake treat saves you from ovens and stress, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser. Plus, the combination of sweet and salty elements will have everyone happily reaching for seconds. Curious to see how you can create this scrumptious layered dessert? Why is Cranberry Pretzel Salad a Must-Try? Unexpected Layers of Flavor: This no-bake dessert creates a stunning contrast between the crunchy pretzel crust and the creamy filling. Effortless Make-Ahead: Perfect for busy holiday schedules, it allows you to prepare it in advance and chill overnight. Eye-Catching Presentation: With its vibrant layers, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Versatile Variations: Easily customize with flavored Jello or toppings to suit your taste. This Unicorn of dessert salads is sure to impress at your next gathering, whether paired with traditional dishes like a Caprese Cucumber Salad or enjoyed solo! Cranberry Pretzel Salad Ingredients • The perfect combination for your dessert! For the Crust Pretzel Minis – Provides a crunchy base and salty flavor; substitute with crushed regular pretzels or pretzel sticks if needed. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust; adjustments can be made if using flavored pretzels. Dark Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; light brown sugar can be used as a substitute. Salted Butter – Binds the crust together and adds richness; unsalted butter is an option—just add a pinch of salt if using unsalted. For the Cream Cheese Layer Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese layer for smoothness; replace with a sugar-free powdered sweetener for a low-sugar version. Cream Cheese – Provides the creamy texture and richness; can use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories. Cool Whip – Adds lightness to the filling; substitute with homemade whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping. Almond Extract – Enhances flavor complexity; vanilla extract is a suitable alternative. Lemon Juice – Adds brightness to the filling; lime juice can also work well. For the Jello Layer Water – Needed to dissolve Jello; no substitutions necessary. Raspberry Jello Powder – Creates a sweet, fruity layer; any berry-flavored Jello can be substituted for a delightful twist. Whole Cranberry Sauce – Adds tartness and texture; can replace with homemade cranberry sauce or another berry sauce. This delightful Cranberry Pretzel Salad is bursting with flavor and is sure to elevate your holiday gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Pretzel Salad Step 1: Prepare the Crust Begin by crushing the pretzel minis in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and melted salted butter. Mix until the mixture is well combined, then press it firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow it to set. Step 2: Make Cream Cheese Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once combined, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled pretzel crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Return the dish to the refrigerator to chill for another hour, allowing the filling to firm up beautifully. Step 3: Prepare Jello Layer Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan, then remove it from heat. Stir in the raspberry Jello powder until fully dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps. Next, add the whole cranberry sauce to the dissolved Jello and mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency. Let this mixture cool slightly before proceeding to the assembly step. Step 4: Assemble Carefully pour the cooled Jello mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer, ensuring it spreads evenly across the surface. Use the spatula gently to help it settle without disturbing the cream cheese layer below. Once evenly spread, cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best results, allowing the layers to meld together. Step 5: Serve When ready to serve your delightful Cranberry Pretzel Salad, remove it from the refrigerator. Slice into squares, using a warm knife for cleaner cuts. Optionally, garnish with additional whipped cream, fresh cranberries, or nuts to elevate the presentation. Serve chilled, and watch it become a favorite at your gathering! Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Pretzel Salad layers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the crust and cream cheese layer up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. To maintain quality, wrap the crust tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from becoming soggy, and keep the cream cheese filling in an airtight container. The Jello layer can be prepared the same day or can be made up to 3 days ahead, ensuring that it’s ready to be added just before serving. When it’s time to serve, simply assemble all layers, chill for a few hours to set, and enjoy this delicious layered dessert with minimal effort! What to Serve with No-Bake Cranberry Pretzel Salad This charming dessert salad is perfect for elevating your festive gatherings with delightful contrasts and flavors. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese layer, creating a harmonious balance. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the tartness in the Cranberry Pretzel Salad, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The crispy and savory sprouts provide a delicious contrast to the sweet dessert, making each bite even more enjoyable. Apple Cider: A refreshing drink to wash down the layers of flavors, it adds a warm spice note that captures holiday essence. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: The creamy texture and spiced flavors offer a wonderful holiday feel, delighting your guests after they savor the salad. Classic Green Bean Almondine: The crunchy almonds and tender green beans create a textural counterpoint, bridging the gap between savory and sweet. Spiced Cranberry Mimosas: This festive drink echoes the jello layer’s flavors while adding a bubbly element of joy to the meal. Expert Tips for Cranberry Pretzel Salad Chill Each Layer: Ensure proper chilling times between each layer to maintain the distinct textures of the pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, and fruity Jello. Use the Right Knife: For cleaner slices, use a warm knife to cut through the layers, preventing them from blending together. Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness, but consume within 3 days for best quality. Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap out flavors in the Jello or the cream cheese layer, but be cautious about altering the sugar content to maintain sweetness, especially in your Cranberry Pretzel Salad. Garnish at the Right Time: Add toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries just before serving to keep them looking fresh and appealing. Cranberry Pretzel Salad Variations Feel free to get creative and make this delightful dessert your own! Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut whipped cream for a luscious layer without dairy. Nut-Free: Leave out the almond extract and replace it with extra vanilla extract for a nut-free option that still packs a flavor punch. Low-Sugar: Use a sugar-free Jello and a sugar substitute in the crust and filling for a delicious low-sugar version that everyone can enjoy. Flavor Fusion: Swap the raspberry Jello for cherry or strawberry for a fruity flair that’s just as delicious and refreshing. Berry Bliss: Mix in fresh raspberries or blueberries into the cream cheese layer for a beautiful, colorful twist that adds bursts of flavor and texture. Crunchy Add-In: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust for an extra crunchy texture that enhances every bite. Spiced Up Creaminess: Incorporate a teaspoon of pumpkin spice into the cream cheese filling for a warm, autumnal touch that’s perfect for the season. Tropical Twist: Replace the cranberry sauce with a tropical fruit blend for a refreshing spin. Use pineapple or mango to create a unique layered salad. As you prepare your delightful Cranberry Pretzel Salad, consider pairing it with a refreshing Caprese Cucumber Salad or my beloved Golden Girl Salad for a complete holiday feast! How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Pretzel Salad Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the layers fresh while you enjoy your delicious Cranberry Pretzel Salad. Freezer: Although freezing is not recommended due to texture changes, you can freeze the unassembled layers separately for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling. Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this no-bake dessert. Simply slice and serve chilled to enjoy its refreshing flavors. Preparation: To maintain quality, make sure each layer is allowed to chill properly before assembling, ensuring your beautiful dessert looks just right when served! Cranberry Pretzel Salad Recipe FAQs How do I select the right pretzels for the crust? Absolutely! I recommend using pretzel minis for the best texture and flavor, as they create a delightful crunch. If you can’t find them, crushed regular pretzels or pretzel sticks can be substituted, but you’ll want to ensure they’re finely crushed to form a good crust. How do I store leftover Cranberry Pretzel Salad? Very important! Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures that all layers remain fresh and flavorful. However, remember that the crunchy texture of the pretzel base may soften over time. Can I freeze Cranberry Pretzel Salad? Although I must say freezing this dessert is not ideal due to potential texture changes, you can freeze the unassembled layers separately. Just store the crust, cream cheese filling, and Jello layer in airtight containers for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw everything in the refrigerator before assembling your delightful Cranberry Pretzel Salad. What should I do if my Jello doesn’t set properly? If your Jello layer appears too runny, it could be because it didn’t cool long enough before it was poured over the cream cheese filling. Make sure to let it cool slightly until it’s just warm but not hot, about 10-15 minutes, before assembly. If it’s still not setting up, you can mix a small amount of gelatin in with the Jello to help it firm up. Can anyone with dietary restrictions enjoy this dessert? Definitely! This recipe is quite adaptable. For a lower-sugar version, feel free to use sugar-free powdered sweetener in the cream cheese layer and a sugar-free Jello. If you’re concerned about allergens, consider using dairy-free cream cheese and whipped toppings to make it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Always check the ingredient labels for any specific food allergies. How can I enhance the flavor of my Cranberry Pretzel Salad? For a little more pizazz, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the cream cheese layer, or swap out the almond extract for vanilla. You can also top it off with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving for an extra layer of flavor! Cranberry Pretzel Salad: A Refreshing No-Bake Delight A delightful Cranberry Pretzel Salad featuring layers of creamy filling, crunchy pretzel crust, and fruity top layer. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 280 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust2 cups Pretzel Minis Can substitute with crushed regular pretzels or pretzel sticks.1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust if using flavored pretzels.1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar Light brown sugar can be used as a substitute.1/2 cup Salted Butter Use unsalted butter with a pinch of salt if preferred.For the Cream Cheese Layer1 cup Powdered Sugar Replace with sugar-free powdered sweetener for a low-sugar version.8 oz Cream Cheese Low-fat cream cheese can be used to reduce calories.1 container Cool Whip Substitute with homemade whipped cream or dairy-free topping.1 teaspoon Almond Extract Vanilla extract is a suitable alternative.1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Lime juice can also work as a substitute.For the Jello Layer2 cups Water No substitutions necessary.1 package Raspberry Jello Powder Any berry-flavored Jello can be substituted.1 cup Whole Cranberry Sauce Can replace with homemade cranberry sauce or another berry sauce. Equipment Mixing BowlFood Processor9x13 inch baking dishSaucepanspatulaplastic wrap Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsBegin by crushing the pretzel minis in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and melted salted butter. Mix until the mixture is well combined, then press it firmly into the bottom of a lined 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow it to set.In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once combined, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled pretzel crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Return the dish to the refrigerator to chill for another hour, allowing the filling to firm up beautifully.Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan, then remove it from heat. Stir in the raspberry Jello powder until fully dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps. Next, add the whole cranberry sauce to the dissolved Jello and mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency. Let this mixture cool slightly before proceeding to the assembly step.Carefully pour the cooled Jello mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer, ensuring it spreads evenly across the surface. Use the spatula gently to help it settle without disturbing the cream cheese layer below. Once evenly spread, cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best results.When ready to serve your delightful Cranberry Pretzel Salad, remove it from the refrigerator. Slice into squares, using a warm knife for cleaner cuts. Optionally, garnish with additional whipped cream, fresh cranberries, or nuts to elevate the presentation. Serve chilled. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure proper chilling times between each layer to maintain the distinct textures of the pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, and fruity Jello. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
