Festive Christmas Pretzel Salad Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Twist

Sweet and salty christmas pretzel salad blends nostalgia with festive cheer, creating a dessert that sparkles with childhood memories.

Layers of crunchy pretzels, creamy cheese filling, and vibrant strawberry gelatin dance together in a delightful holiday treat.

Crisp pretzel crumbs form a buttery base that contrasts beautifully with smooth cream cheese.

Bright red gelatin adds a festive touch, making this dessert shine at any gathering.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a simple yet impressive finale to your meal.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing christmas pretzel salad and watch smiles spread faster than the delicious layers.

Prepare to be the star of your holiday spread with this irresistible dessert!

Fun Spins For Christmas Pretzel Salad

• Gluten-Free Pretzel Base: Replace traditional pretzels with gluten-free pretzel crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Berry Medley Variation: Swap cherry jello with strawberry or raspberry jello, using a mix of fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the crust and cream cheese layer, and choose sugar-free jello for a diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Tropical Remix: Substitute cherry jello with pineapple jello, add toasted coconut flakes, and use macadamia nuts instead of pecans for a Hawaiian-inspired treat.

Tasty Pairings For Christmas Pretzel Salad

• Pair Sweet Cherry Jello Pretzel Salad with Complementary Flavors
• Boost Dessert Enjoyment with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Riesling or Moscato to balance the sweet-tangy dessert, cutting through the creamy cheese layer while enhancing the cherry's bright notes.
• Create Refreshing Beverage Contrast with Sparkling Water: Infuse sparkling water with fresh mint or lemon to cleanse the palate between bites, providing a light counterpoint to the rich, creamy dessert.
• Elevate Flavor Profile with Almond-Vanilla Accompaniment: Serve alongside lightly toasted almond biscotti or vanilla shortbread cookies, which echo the nutty pecan elements and provide a delightful textural crunch that complements the dessert's layered composition.

Easy Storage For Christmas Pretzel Salad

• Store the pretzel salad in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dessert.
• Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Cut the dessert into individual servings, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for convenient single-serving access.
• Gently bring the pretzel salad to room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving.

Common Questions On Christmas Pretzel Salad

• Are pretzels the right choice for the crust?

Pretzels create a unique salty-sweet base that adds crunch and contrasts beautifully with the creamy and sweet layers, making the dessert more interesting than traditional graham cracker crusts.

• Can I use a different type of jello?

Cherry jello works best, but raspberry or strawberry can be good alternatives that complement the cranberries and maintain the dessert’s vibrant red color.

• How do I prevent the pretzel crust from getting soggy?

Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer, and make sure the cream cheese layer is a solid barrier between the crust and jello to maintain crispness.

What Makes Christmas Pretzel Salad So Fun

• Conquer Complex Layers: Create a stunning dessert with multiple texture-rich components that blend sweet, salty, and creamy elements into one crowd-pleasing treat.
• Customize with Ease: Switch out cranberries for seasonal fruits like strawberries or raspberries to match different holiday themes and personal preferences.
• Master No-Stress Preparation: Follow simple step-by-step instructions that transform basic ingredients into an impressive dessert without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Celebrate Special Moments: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family celebrations where you want to serve something memorable and delightful that everyone will enjoy.

Everything Inside Christmas Pretzel Salad

• Pretzels: A crunchy base that provides a salty contrast to the sweet layers.
• Butter: Helps bind the pretzel crumbs and creates a rich foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the pretzel crust.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy middle layer with tangy richness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
• Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and volume to the cream cheese layer.

• Cherry Jello: Provides a vibrant red color and fruity gelatin layer.
• Cold Water: Helps dissolve and set the jello mixture.
• Boiling Water: Completely dissolves the jello powder.
• Cranberries: Fresh berries that add tartness and festive color.
• Pecans, Red and Green Sprinkles: Provide crunch, texture, and decorative holiday flair.

How To Make Christmas Pretzel Salad Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Warm the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Pretzel Base

• Crushed pretzels
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar

Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly, well-blended texture.

Step 3: Press Pretzel Crust

Transfer the pretzel mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press down firmly, creating an even, compact layer across the bottom.

Step 4: Bake Pretzel Foundation

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Whip Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 6: Fold in Whipped Cream

Gently incorporate whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Fold carefully to maintain the airy texture and volume.

Step 7: Spread Cream Cheese Layer

Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring an even, smooth surface.

Step 8: Prepare Jello Mixture

Dissolve cherry jello completely in boiling water. Add cold water and stir thoroughly to create a uniform liquid.

Step 9: Add Cranberry and Jello

Sprinkle fresh cranberries across the cream cheese layer. Slowly pour the liquid jello over the entire surface, covering evenly.

Step 10: Decorate with Toppings

• Chopped pecans
• Red and green sprinkles

across the top of the jello layer.

Step 11: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the jello to set completely and lets the flavors mingle.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dessert from the refrigerator 5-10 minutes before serving. This slight warming makes cutting and plating much easier. Slice and serve to delighted guests!

Helpful Tips For Christmas Pretzel Salad

• Crush Pretzels Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine crumbs for a consistent, crispy crust that holds together beautifully.
• Whip Cream Cheese Smoothly: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and use an electric mixer to eliminate lumps, creating a silky, light texture.
• Control Jello Consistency: Allow jello to cool slightly before pouring to prevent melting the cream cheese layer and maintain distinct, clean layers.
• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to allow complete setting, helping layers bond and flavors develop fully.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with seasonal sprinkles or alternative nuts like almonds to personalize the dessert's appearance and taste.

Christmas Pretzel Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet and salty christmas pretzel salad delivers festive holiday magic on a single plate. Creamy layers of strawberry gelatin, cream cheese, and crunchy pretzel crust combine for a delightful dessert you’ll crave at every seasonal gathering.

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Ingredients

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Pretzel Base:

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup whipped cream

Festive Topping:

• 1 package (6 oz) cherry jello
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface.
2. Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture becomes uniformly crumbly and well-integrated.
3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact layer that will serve as the foundation for the dessert.
4. Bake the pretzel base for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
5. In a separate large mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a smooth and airy consistency without deflating the volume.
7. Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, taking care to create a uniform surface.
8. Dissolve the cherry jello completely in boiling water, then add cold water and stir thoroughly to combine.
9. Sprinkle fresh cranberries across the cream cheese layer, then carefully pour the liquid jello mixture over the entire surface.
10. Scatter chopped pecans and festive red and green sprinkles evenly across the top of the liquid jello layer.
11. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the jello to set completely and the flavors to meld together.
12. Before serving, let the pretzel salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to make cutting and plating easier.

Notes

• Achieve a crispy pretzel crust by crushing pretzels into fine, even crumbs for a perfect texture base.
• Prevent jello layer from seeping into cream cheese by ensuring the cream cheese layer is completely cooled and firm before adding liquid jello.
• Customize the dessert for dietary needs by using gluten-free pretzels or sugar-free jello for a lighter version.
• Add extra festive flair with seasonal berries like pomegranate seeds or additional holiday-themed sprinkle colors for a more vibrant presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 303
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg