Peach Pretzel Jello Salad – A Sweet and Salty Delight
Peach Pretzel Jello Salad is a unique and delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. This dessert salad combines a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy and tangy cream cheese layer, and a refreshing peach and gelatin topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, barbecues, or as a sweet ending to any meal. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed into small pieces
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Peach Jello Layer:
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 (6 oz) package peach-flavored gelatin
- 1 (16 oz) package frozen sliced peaches, slightly thawed
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until the pretzels are evenly coated.
- Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure it forms an even layer.
- Bake the Crust:
- Bake the pretzel crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it’s set. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Layer the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust. Make sure it reaches the edges to seal the crust.
- Make the Peach Jello Layer:
- In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the peach gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add the slightly thawed frozen sliced peaches (with the juice) to the gelatin mixture. Stir to combine.
- Chill and Set:
- Carefully pour the peach gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate the dish for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut the Peach Pretzel Jello Salad into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet peaches, creamy cheese, and salty pretzels.
Cook’s Notes:
- Frozen vs. Fresh Peaches: You can use fresh peaches when they’re in season. Simply peel, slice, and use them in place of frozen peaches.
- Slightly Thawed Peaches: The slight thawing of frozen peaches helps them mix better with the gelatin.
- Crushing Pretzels: You can crush the pretzels in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Peach Pretzel Jello Salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth and offer a pleasant contrast of salty pretzels. It’s a classic recipe that’s perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Enjoy! 🍑🥨🍰😋
