This Creamy Raspberry Pretzel Dessert has a lovely mix of sweet and salty. With a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and tangy raspberry topping, it’s hard to resist!
Honestly, I can’t get enough of that pretzel crunch! It’s like a party in your mouth. Perfect for sharing, or just keeping it all for yourself. No judgment here! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: The pretzel crust is key for that salty crunch. If you can’t find pretzels, you can use Graham crackers or crushed cookies for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but it may not be as creamy.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This adds a rich texture. If you want a lighter option, use coconut cream or whipped topping, but the flavor will differ. I prefer heavy cream because it whips up beautifully and holds its shape.
Raspberry Gelatin: While raspberry is delicious, you can use any flavor of gelatin you like, such as strawberry or peach, to change things up.
How Do I Ensure My Gelatin Sets Perfectly?
Getting the gelatin to set properly is important for the dessert’s success. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to use boiling water to dissolve the gelatin completely.
- Let the gelatin cool to room temperature, which prevents melting your creamy layers when combined.
- Always gently fold the gelatin mixture to avoid deflating the whipped cream.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a beautifully layered dessert that holds its shape when you serve it!
How to Make Creamy Raspberry Pretzel Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (from the 2 cups needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (to be whipped)
For the Raspberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries, divided
- 1 (3 oz) package raspberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (to be whipped)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (remaining from the 2 cups needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 30 minutes of active prep time. You’ll need to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results) to let the layers set nicely. So, plan for that time to enjoy this cool treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar together. It should look well combined. Next, press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even crust. Bake the crust in the oven for about 10 minutes. Once done, take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until it’s nice and smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until everything is fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s all smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Pop it in the fridge while we get to the next step!
3. Prepare the Raspberry Layer:
Dissolve the raspberry gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring well until it’s completely dissolved. Let the gelatin cool to room temperature, but be careful not to let it set! In another bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar to stiff peaks. Fold about 1 cup of fresh raspberries into this whipped cream. Then, slowly fold your cooled gelatin into the raspberry and whipped cream mixture. Once combined, gently spread this raspberry layer over the cream cheese layer in your baking dish.
4. Chill and Serve:
Now it’s time to let this lovely dessert chill! Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. Before serving, take it out and garnish with fresh raspberries, dollops of whipped cream, and sprinkle on some crushed pretzel pieces for that extra crunch. Slice into squares and enjoy your delightful Creamy Raspberry Pretzel Dessert!
This delicious dessert features a perfect balance of a salty-sweet pretzel crust, a rich and fluffy cream cheese layer, and a vibrant raspberry topping that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy! 🍰
Can I Use a Different Type of Gelatin?
Absolutely! While raspberry gelatin adds a lovely flavor, you can substitute it with any flavor you prefer, such as strawberry, peach, or even mixed berry. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert tastes best when it’s chilled, so it’s great to enjoy the next day!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dessert gluten-free, simply replace the regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzels. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but double-check the labels to be sure!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the whipped cream mixture to maintain the dessert’s texture. You might want to use a bit less of the gelatin to avoid excess moisture.
