Description

This Pineapple Pretzel Salad is a delightful combination of sweet cream cheese, crunchy pretzels, and juicy pineapple. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for picnics or gatherings.

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, 2 (20-ounce) cans
6 ounces pineapple Jello, 2 (3-ounce) boxes
1 small can pineapple chunks, optional, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels with ½ cup of the sugar.
Pour the melted butter into the pretzel mix and stir well.
Spread the pretzel mixture into the baking dish and press firmly to form the crust.
Bake the pretzel crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the remaining ¾ cup of sugar and vanilla extract; mix well for another minute.
Fold in 12 ounces of the thawed whipped cream until combined with the cream cheese.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, sealing the edges to prevent sogginess.
In a large bowl, dissolve the pineapple jello in boiling water by stirring until fully dissolved.
Add the drained pineapple from one can to the jello, then mix in the second can of pineapple with its juice.
Allow the jello mixture to chill for 20 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Pour the jello mixture over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours until fully set.
Slice and serve with a dollop of Cool Whip and a pineapple chunk, if desired.

Notes

For a firmer salad, ensure that the jello mixture is allowed to fully cool before pouring it over the cream cheese layer.
Optional garnishes can enhance the visual appeal of the dessert, consider adding fresh pineapple slices or cherries.
Make ahead of time and refrigerate for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 340
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg