Here’s a recipe for Cranberry Pretzel Salad—a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors:
Cranberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 4 cups whole pretzels)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar)
- For the Cranberry Layer:
- 1 can (15 oz) whole cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 box (3 oz) raspberry or strawberry gelatin (jelly)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the pretzels are evenly coated.
- Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
3. Prepare the Cranberry Layer:
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the gelatin mix, stirring until fully dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce until well combined. If using, mix in the chopped nuts.
- Let the cranberry mixture cool slightly, then carefully spread it over the cream cheese layer.
4. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or until the cranberry layer is set.
- Serve chilled, and cut into squares to serve.
Tips:
- Crust: Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent it from melting.
- Gelatin: If you prefer a thicker layer, you can use less water when dissolving the gelatin, or allow it to cool a bit longer before spreading.
This Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a festive and refreshing dish with a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion!
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