This Raspberry Pretzel Jello is a fun and tasty treat! It features a crunchy pretzel crust, layered with creamy goodness and a bright raspberry jello topping that pops with flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: The base of this dessert is crushed pretzels. Their salty crunch adds a nice contrast to the sweet layers. If you need a gluten-free option, go for gluten-free pretzels as a substitute!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the dessert its creamy layer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. Both will work well!
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip here for its convenience and airy texture. If you’re making it from scratch, heavy whipping cream whipped until stiff peaks form is a great alternative.
Raspberry Gelatin: The jello topping provides flavor and color. You can swap raspberry gelatin for other fruit flavors like strawberry or cherry if you prefer something different.
How Do You Get the Perfect Pretzel Crust?
The pretzel crust is a key part of this dessert, and it needs to be just right for the best texture and taste. Here’s how to nail it:
- Crush pretzels into fine crumbs; this helps them hold together better when mixed with sugar and butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to create a solid base. Don’t worry about it being perfect, just ensure it’s even.
- Bake it for about 8-10 minutes to firm up the crust. Let it cool completely before adding other layers so the cream cheese mixture doesn’t melt.
Taking these steps ensures a crunchy and flavorful foundation for your Raspberry Pretzel Jello!
Raspberry Pretzel Jello
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
For the Jello Layer:
- 3 oz raspberry-flavored gelatin (Jello)
- 2 cups boiling water
- Fresh raspberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert requires about 20 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll want to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to set the jello. So, plan for a total of around 4 hours and 20 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Pretzel Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create your crust. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Cream Cheese Layer:
While your crust is cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a medium bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until blended. Spread this creamy layer evenly over your cooled pretzel crust.
3. Making the Raspberry Jello Layer:
In another bowl, dissolve the raspberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until it’s fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, but be careful not to let it set. Once it’s cool, gently fold in the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping. Pour this colorful jello mixture over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out as needed.
4. Chilling and Serving:
Cover the dessert and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. Once it’s ready, slice it into squares and garnish each piece with fresh raspberries on top. Serve chilled and enjoy the wonderful blend of sweet and salty flavors!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Jello?
Absolutely! While raspberry is a classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors like strawberry, cherry, or lime for a fun twist. Just make sure to adjust any garnishes to match the flavor you choose!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers of Raspberry Pretzel Jello can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzels to ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
What’s the Best Way to Cut the Jello?
To cut the jello neatly, use a sharp knife that has been dipped in warm water. This helps to create smooth cuts without tearing the layers. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the best results!