Peach Pretzel Jello Salad

Have you ever heard of pretzel salad before? If not, it might sound completely confounding…but that’s probably just because it’s a very retro recipe that was popular in the 1960s and that isn’t really a salad at all. That’s right, although it’s most commonly referred to as one, this dish is a dessert that doesn’t look anything like a salad – although it does have pretzels in it, so at least that part of the name makes sense. So what’s in this dessert? A deliciously buttery and cinnamon-y pretzel crust, topped with a thick layer of sweetened cream cheese, and, finally, a jello layer speckled with your choice of fruit.

Not only does this dish look amazing – hello, gem-like, fruit jello layer – but it’s also insanely yummy. The pretzel crust still has the perfect touch of saltiness, but the cinnamon adds an unexpected flavor that balances everything out. Add to that a smooth, sweetened cream cheese layer, and the refreshing fruit top layer. We used peach jello with canned peaches (although feel free to use fresh peaches when they’re in season!) and LOVED the final product. Everything balances each other out perfectly and we’re left with a dessert that checks all of our boxes: crunchy, sweet and salty, creamy, fruity…it’s got all we could want!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peach Pretzel Jello Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It’s the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and fruity with a refreshing hint of creaminess. The vibrant jello layer makes it a visually stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 13×9-inch baking dish
• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Nonstick spray

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups pretzels, crushed
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Filling:

• 2 cans peaches, drained, peaches pat dry
• 2 cups water, boiling
• 1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 (6 oz.) package peach jello
• 1/2 cup sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF, and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine pretzels, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in melted butter, and mix thoroughly.
3. Transfer pretzel mixture to baking dish, and gently press into an even layer. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to let cool.
4. In a large bowl, cream together cream cheese and sugar, then gently fold in whipped topping.
5. Spread mixture over cooled crust, then refrigerate 1 hour, or until set.
6. In a large bowl, combine jello packet with boiling water and stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
7. Top the cream cheese layer of the cake with peach slices, then gently pour gelatin over cream cheese layer.
8. Refrigerate until set, 2-3 hours. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure the crust is well-pressed into the dish to form a solid base.
• Allow the cream cheese layer to fully set before adding the jello layer to prevent mixing.
• Pat the peaches dry to avoid adding excess moisture to the dessert.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to experiment with different fruit and jello combinations, such as strawberries and strawberry jello, for a new twist on this classic dessert. Fresh fruits can also be used when in season for enhanced flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dessert provides a delightful balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, with the added bonus of fruit. Although specific nutritional values will vary, it’s a sweet treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Yes, fresh peaches can be used when they are in season for a fresher taste.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Conclusion

This Peach Pretzel Jello Salad is a delightful retro dessert that deserves a place in your recipe collection. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and deliciously satisfying. We invite you to give it a try and share your experiences with us. Enjoy!