Description
This refreshing Orange Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery pretzel crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, juicy mandarin oranges, and a vibrant orange Jello topping. With a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s sure to impress at any potluck or family gathering.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels (measure after crushing)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces brick-style cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (8 ounce) tub whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip)
Jello Layer
- 1 (6 ounces) package orange Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 (15 ounces) cans mandarin oranges, drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Prepare crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until the pretzels are well coated.
- Bake crust: Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking dish. Bake it for 10 minutes to set the crust, then remove and allow it to cool completely before layering.
- Make cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the 8-ounce tub of thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip) until fully combined.
- Assemble cream cheese layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges completely to prevent Jello from soaking in. Refrigerate this layer for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the Jello.
- Prepare Jello: Dissolve the 6-ounce package of orange Jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until the Jello is completely dissolved and then let it cool to room temperature.
- Layer mandarin oranges: Evenly arrange the drained mandarin oranges over the chilled cream cheese layer.
- Add Jello layer: Slowly and carefully pour the cooled orange Jello over the layer of mandarin oranges to avoid disturbing the fruit and cream layer beneath.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello has fully set, ensuring the salad has a firm, sliceable texture.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Pressing and sealing the cream layer edges helps prevent the Jello from seeping into the crust.
- You can substitute mandarin oranges with other canned fruits like pineapple or peaches, but ensure they are well drained.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be made a day ahead for enhanced flavor melding.
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for the layers to fit appropriately.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
