Description
Savor this delightful Pineapple Pretzel Salad, a creamy blend of whipped topping, cream cheese, and delicious pineapple, layered over a crunchy pretzel base. Perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups mini pretzels, crushed
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 16 ounces whipped cream, such as Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 cup water, boiling
- 40 ounces crushed pineapple, in 100% juice
- 6 ounces pineapple Jello, 2 (3-ounce) boxes
- 1 small can pineapple chunks, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with ½ cup of the sugar.
- Mix in the melted butter until the pretzels are fully coated.
- Spread the pretzel mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish and press down firmly to form a crust.
- Bake the pretzel crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a mixer.
- Add the remaining ¾ cup of sugar and vanilla, mixing for an additional minute.
- Fold in 12 ounces of the thawed whipped cream until fully combined with the cream cheese.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring it reaches the sides to create a seal.
- In a large bowl, add boiling water and sprinkle in both packets of pineapple jello, stirring until dissolved.
- Drain one can of pineapple, adding just the fruit to the jello mixture and mixing in the second can with juice.
- Chill the jello mixture for 20 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Pour the jello mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours or until set completely.
- Slice and serve topped with reserved Cool Whip and optional pineapple chunks.
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the sugar quantity based on your preference.
This salad can be prepared a day ahead, making it perfect for gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg