This Raspberry Pretzel Jello is a fun and colorful treat! It combines a crunchy pretzel crust, sweet raspberry jelly, and creamy filling, making it a sweet and salty delight.
Whenever I make this dessert, I think of summer picnics. It’s always a hit, and I love how easy it is to whip up. Who can resist that crunchy crust? It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: The pretzel crust is what makes this dessert special! I like using traditional pretzel rods, but any pretzel shape will work. If you need a gluten-free option, gluten-free pretzels are widely available now.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy layer. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat. For dairy-free needs, there are great cream cheese alternatives made from nuts.
Whipped Topping: I use Cool Whip for its convenience, but homemade whipped cream is a delicious alternative. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can find sugar-free whipped toppings or make your own with a sugar substitute.
Gelatin: Raspberry is my favorite, but you can use any flavored gelatin. Strawberry, cherry, or peach work beautifully too! For a vegetarian option, look for agar-agar as a substitute for regular gelatin.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Gelatin Layer?
Getting your gelatin layer to set perfectly can sometimes be tricky. Here’s a straightforward way to ensure it works right:
- Dissolve the gelatin in boiling water thoroughly. Stir until there are no granules left—this is key!
- When you add cold water, let the mixture cool naturally before pouring over the cream cheese layer; this prevents melting.
- Make sure your cream cheese layer is chilled when you pour the gelatin; this helps keep the layers distinct and prevents them from mixing.
Enjoy making this refreshing dessert! It’s a lovely treat for summer gatherings or family meals.
Raspberry Pretzel Jello
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels (about 4 cups whole pretzels, crushed)
- 3/4 cup sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup cold butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
For the Gelatin Layer:
- 2 (3 oz) packages raspberry or strawberry gelatin (Jello)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
For the Topping:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (or more for garnish)
- Additional pretzels for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Raspberry Pretzel Jello can be prepared in about 30 minutes altogether, but make sure to set aside at least 4 hours for it to chill and set in the refrigerator. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and the melted butter. Mix everything together until combined. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the crust is cooling, grab a mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth. Then, fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping until you have a creamy mixture. Spread this evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate this layer while you prepare the gelatin.
3. Preparing the Gelatin:
In another bowl, dissolve the two packages of raspberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring well until completely dissolved. After that, add 1 1/2 cups of cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir once more. It’s important to let this mixture cool to room temperature without letting it set.
4. Assembling the Dessert:
Once the gelatin has cooled, evenly place the fresh raspberries over the cream cheese layer. Now, gently pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the raspberries and cream cheese layer. Finally, cover the baking dish and refrigerate the jello dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
5. Serving:
When the dessert is fully set, cut it into squares. For a lovely presentation, garnish each serving with pretzels and additional fresh raspberries if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful sweet and salty combination of the pretzel crust, raspberry jello, and creamy filling!
This dessert is not only beautiful but also delicious and refreshing! Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home.
Can I Use Other Types of Gelatin?
Absolutely! While raspberry and strawberry are popular choices, feel free to experiment with different flavors like cherry, peach, or even mixed berry to suit your taste preferences.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain the freshness of the whipped topping and the pretzel crust!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead dessert! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, and it’ll be perfect and ready to enjoy.
What Should I Do If My Gelatin Doesn’t Set?
If your gelatin doesn’t set, it may be due to the temperature of the mixture or not dissolving it fully. Make sure to let the gelatin cool to room temperature before pouring it over the layers. If it still doesn’t set after refrigerating, you may need to remake the gelatin with a fresh batch.
