Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad is a sweet and salty recipe, which is made with crunchy pretzels and tart raspberries. It’s the perfect potluck dessert, ready in about 4 hours.
Pioneer Woman Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad Recipe Ingredients
For the Pretzel Layer:
- 2 Cups Pretzels, broken into pieces
- 1/2 Cup Butter, melted
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 8 Ounces Cool Whip, thawed
For the Jello Layer:
- 1 Box Raspberry Jello, 6 oz.
- 2 Cups Water, boiling
- 4 Cups Raspberries, fresh or frozen
How To Make Pioneer Woman Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad
- Make and Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine the broken pretzels, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir well until combined, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the pretzel crust for 6-7 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the 1 cup of sugar with the softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip.
- Seal the Crust: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the completely cooled pretzel crust. It is very important to spread the cream cheese layer all the way to the edges of the pan to create a seal, which will prevent the Jello from leaking down into the crust.
- Mix the Jello Layer: In a separate bowl, dissolve the raspberry Jello mix in the boiling water, stirring until all the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the fresh or frozen raspberries.
- Chill and Set: Place the Jello mixture in the refrigerator to cool for about 15 minutes, until it is cool to the touch but not yet set. Gently pour the cooled Jello over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate the entire dish until the Jello is firm, about 3-4 hours.
Recipe Tips
- How to prevent a soggy pretzel crust? This is the most common issue with this salad. To prevent it, you must ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer. Most importantly, you must create a complete seal with the cream cheese, spreading it firmly against all sides of the pan.
- Can I use a different flavor of Jello? Yes, strawberry Jello is a very common and popular substitute that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
- Can I use other fruits besides raspberries? Sliced strawberries are a fantastic alternative. If using frozen strawberries, make sure they are thawed and drained of any excess liquid before adding them to the Jello.
- Why did my Jello leak to the bottom? This happens when the cream cheese layer does not completely seal the edges of the pretzel crust. Be very meticulous when spreading it, making sure it touches every edge of the pan to form a waterproof barrier.
What To Serve With Raspberry Pretzel Salad
This sweet and salty dish is a star at potlucks and holiday dinners, often served as a side dish rather than a dessert. It pairs well with savory main courses.
- Baked Ham
- Fried Chicken
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Roast Turkey
- Grilled Pork Chops
How To Store Raspberry Pretzel Salad
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within 2-3 days. Note that the pretzel layer will naturally soften the longer it is stored.
Raspberry Pretzel Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 643 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 110g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 322mg
- Sugar: 81g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is raspberry pretzel salad a dessert or a side dish?
It’s both! While it is very sweet and often served as a dessert, in many parts of the United States, it is a traditional side dish at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Do I have to cool the Jello before pouring it on?
Yes, this is a critical step. Pouring hot or even warm Jello directly onto the cream cheese layer can cause it to melt and mix, which will prevent the clean, distinct layers from forming and can compromise the seal on the crust.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute Cool Whip with sweetened fresh whipped cream. To replace an 8-ounce container, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad Recipe
Description
A classic potluck favorite with a crunchy, salty pretzel crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, and a tangy raspberry Jello topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine crust ingredients, press into a 9×13-inch pan, and bake for 7 minutes; cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth; fold in Cool Whip.
- Spread cream layer over the cooled crust, sealing the edges completely.
- Dissolve Jello in boiling water, then stir in raspberries; chill for 15 minutes.
- Gently pour the cooled Jello mixture over the cream layer.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until the Jello is completely firm.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe pretzel crust must be completely cool before you add the cream layer.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eSealing the edges of the crust with the cream cheese mixture is the most crucial step to prevent a soggy crust.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eCool the Jello mixture before pouring it over the cream layer to keep the layers distinct.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis dish is best made on the day you plan to serve it for the crunchiest crust.u003c/liu003e
