Welcome to a culinary adventure that blends the sweet taste of ripe peaches with the satisfying crunch of pretzels, all wrapped in a creamy, dreamy jello salad. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Peach Pretzel Jello Salad – a delightful concoction that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer BBQ, a potluck dinner, or a cozy family gathering. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic!
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 package
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 (6 oz.) package peach jello
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
- In another bowl, dissolve the peach jello in the boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Let it cool slightly.
- Arrange the drained peaches over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Carefully pour the slightly cooled peach jello mixture over the peaches, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Refrigerate the Peach Pretzel Jello Salad for at least 4 hours, or until the jello is set.
- Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the sweet and salty goodness of this delightful dessert!
Cook Notes and Variations
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or almonds on top of the cream cheese layer before adding the peaches and jello.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese and sugar-free jello.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations, such as strawberries or mixed berries, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh peaches in this recipe. Simply peel and slice the peaches and arrange them over the cream cheese layer as directed.
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this Peach Pretzel Jello Salad a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Q: Can I use salted pretzels instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, you can use salted pretzels if you prefer a slightly saltier taste in the crust.
Q: Can I substitute whipped cream for the frozen whipped topping?
A: Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping. Just make sure it’s stiff enough to hold its shape when folded into the cream cheese mixture.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze this dessert as the texture may become soggy once thawed.
Keto Versions and Low Carb Versions
Keto Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of this Peach Pretzel Jello Salad, you can substitute almond flour for the pretzels in the crust and use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar.
Low Carb Version:
For a low-carb version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a sugar-free jello mix. You can also use a mixture of crushed nuts and coconut flour for the crust to reduce carb content.
In conclusion, this Peach Pretzel Jello Salad is a delightful fusion of sweet and salty flavors that’s sure to please your palate. Whether you’re serving it up as a refreshing dessert or indulging in a guilt-free treat, this recipe is a winner. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this heavenly creation. Enjoy every delicious bite!
