This creamy raspberry pretzel dessert is a fun treat with a crunchy crust and sweet filling. The mix of salty pretzels and dreamy cream cheese creates a yummy flavor explosion!
I love how refreshing the raspberry topping is on this dessert. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, and let’s be honest, who can resist that mix of sweet and salty? 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: The pretzels form the salty crust of this dessert. I recommend using traditional pretzel twists for the best crunch. If you’re gluten-free, you can find gluten-free pretzel options that work just as well!
Cream Cheese: You need cream cheese for that rich filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still gives a creamy texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This adds fluffiness to the cream cheese filling and the topping. If you want a healthier substitute, try using coconut cream, which will still give you a whipped texture but with a different flavor.
Raspberry Gelatin: While raspberry gelatin gives a nice color and flavor, you could use other fruit gelatin flavors like strawberry or cherry if raspberries aren’t your thing. Check for sugar-free options if you’re watching your sugar!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cream Cheese Mixture?
Making the cream cheese layer smooth is key for this dessert. Here are some steps to ensure it turns out just right:
- Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature, which helps it blend easily.
- Mix gradually – start beating the cream cheese before slowly adding in the powdered sugar. This keeps the mixture smooth.
- When folding in the whipped cream, do it gently. You want to keep that airy texture to make it light and fluffy!
These tips will help you create an amazing layered dessert everyone will love. Enjoy your baking! 🥳
Creamy Raspberry Pretzel Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 4 cups whole pretzels)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
For The Raspberry Layer:
- 2 (3 oz) packages raspberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen raspberries, thawed and drained
For The Topping:
- Fresh raspberries, for garnish
- Whole pretzels, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a bit of a wait, but the result is absolutely worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pretzel Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels with melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until everything is combined well. Press this pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form your crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until it’s well mixed. In another bowl, whip 1 cup of the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s all smooth and creamy. Spread this layer evenly over your cooled pretzel crust and place it in the fridge while you work on the raspberry layer.
3. Create the Raspberry Layer:
Dissolve the raspberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water by stirring well. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, stir in the thawed and drained raspberries. In a clean bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold this into your cooled raspberry mixture. Pour this lovely raspberry layer over the cream cheese layer, making sure to spread it evenly.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish and refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or until it’s fully set. When you’re ready to serve, top with dollops of whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and a few whole pretzels for that perfect garnish. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!
This creamy, tangy, and crunchy dessert is a fun crowd-pleaser that balances sweet raspberries with salty pretzels—delicious!
Can I Replace the Cream Cheese with a Dairy-Free Alternative?
Yes, you can! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the cream cheese layer to make this dessert suitable for a dairy-free diet. Just ensure it’s well-softened for easy mixing.
How Long Does the Dessert Last in the Fridge?
This dessert can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s covered well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Can I Use Fresh Raspberries Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries can be used for the raspberry layer; just be sure to wash and drain them before mixing into the gelatin. However, frozen raspberries often break down better and have more juice.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pretzels in place of regular pretzels for the crust. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, so you’re all set! Enjoy your gluten-free treat!
