Celebrate the festive season with this Holiday Cranberry Pretzel Salad, a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors! This layered dessert features a buttery pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake-like filling, and a bright, tangy cranberry topping—making it a showstopper for holiday parties and family gatherings. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this cranberry pretzel salad recipe is ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion when you want a dessert that’s both festive and crowd-pleasing.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220
- Protein: 2g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 29g per serving
- Fat: 10g per serving
- Fiber: 1g per serving
- Sugar: 14g per serving
- Sodium: 200mg per serving
Why Make This Holiday Cranberry Pretzel Salad
Creating this Holiday Cranberry Pretzel Salad means you’re opting for a crowd-pleaser that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Its combination of textures—from the crunchy pretzel crust to the creamy filling and the chewy cranberry layer—makes it a unique addition to any dessert spread. Not only is it visually appealing with bright red cranberries sitting atop a rich, fluffy base, but it also offers a balanced flavor profile, satisfying those who crave a mix of tastes. Plus, it’s a make-ahead item, meaning you can whip it up the day before your gathering and free up your schedule for more holiday fun.
How to Make Holiday Cranberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping
- 1 package (6 ounces) cranberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh cranberries or frozen, thawed and chopped
- 1 cup sugar
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Mixing
In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well combined and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
Step 3: Cooking
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cranberry gelatin in the boiling water. Once dissolved, stir in the chopped cranberries as well as the additional 1 cup of sugar. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Finishing
Carefully pour the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Refrigerate the salad until it is fully set, which will take about 4 hours or overnight. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
How to Serve Holiday Cranberry Pretzel Salad
This dish is best served chilled and can be garnished with extra chopped cranberries or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair. If serving at a larger gathering, consider placing it next to slices of pie or other desserts for variety.
How to Store Holiday Cranberry Pretzel Salad
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator, where they can be stored for up to 3 days. Note that the pretzel crust may soften a bit over time due to the moisture from the filling, but the flavors will still be delightful.
Expert Tips for Perfect Holiday Cranberry Pretzel Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries will yield the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can reduce the sugar in the cranberry mixture or increase the amount of cranberries.
- Cream Cheese Texture: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Chill Overnight: For optimal flavor and texture, prepare the salad a day in advance.
- Presentation: For added elegance, serve in clear dessert cups to showcase the beautiful layers.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped nuts to the pretzel crust for an extra crunch.
- Berry Blend: Incorporate other berries such as blueberries or raspberries in addition to the cranberries.
- Fruit Gelatin: Experiment with different flavored gelatin, such as raspberry or cherry, to change up the taste.
- Lighter Version: Replace the whipped topping with a low-calorie alternative to reduce overall calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use diet gelatin? Yes, using diet gelatin can lower calories while still providing a delicious flavor.
- What if I don’t have fresh cranberries? You can use dried cranberries, but the texture and taste will be different. Reduce sugar if necessary.
- Is it necessary to refrigerate for so long? It’s important for the gelatin to set properly, but if you’re short on time, a couple of hours should suffice.
- How can I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free pretzels to make this dessert compliant with gluten-free diets.
- Can this be frozen? Although it’s best served fresh, it can be frozen for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture may change once thawed.
Conclusion
The Holiday Cranberry Pretzel Salad is not just a dessert; it’s a festive creation that brings joy and flavor to your gatherings. With its visually stunning layers and balanced taste, it marries the sweetness of cream and fruit with the savory crunch of pretzels. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or just indulging in a seasonal treat, this recipe will easily become a holiday favorite. Give it a try, and watch as it brings smiles to your loved ones’ faces!
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Holiday Cranberry Pretzel Salad
- Total Time: 280 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful layered dessert that combines sweet and salty flavors, featuring a crunchy pretzel base, creamy filling, and tart cranberries, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping
- 1 package (6 ounces) cranberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh cranberries or frozen, thawed and chopped
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
- In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well combined and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the cranberry gelatin in the boiling water. Once dissolved, stir in the chopped cranberries and the additional 1 cup of sugar. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.
- Carefully pour the cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Refrigerate the salad until it is fully set, which will take about 4 hours or overnight. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For best flavor and texture, prepare the salad a day in advance. It can be garnished with extra chopped cranberries or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
