Peach Pretzel Jello Salad

Peach Pretzel Jello Salad is a delightful and refreshing dessert that beautifully combines the sweet flavors of peaches, the satisfying crunch of pretzels, and the creamy goodness of a cream cheese topping. This dessert is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. In this guide, we’ll provide you with the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a satisfying conclusion to create this delectable Peach Pretzel Jello Salad.

 

Ingredients:

For the Pretzel Crust:

• 2 cups pretzels, crushed into small pieces
• 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Peach Jello Layer:

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 (6-ounce) package peach-flavored gelatin
• 2 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup crushed ice

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until the pretzels are well coated.
3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly toasted. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Peach Jello Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour 2 cups of boiling water over the peach-flavored gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
2. Add the sliced peaches, 1 cup of cold water, and 1 cup of crushed ice to the gelatin mixture. Stir until the ice has melted and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Carefully pour the peach Jello mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
4. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and allow it to chill until the Jello layer is set, which should take about 2-3 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping

1. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is well combined.
3. Gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

1. Once the peach Jello layer has set, carefully spread the cream cheese topping over it, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
2. Return the baking dish to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the cream cheese topping is firm.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice your Peach Pretzel Jello Salad into squares or rectangles and serve it chilled.
2. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors in every bite!

 

Pro Tips for a Perfect Peach Pretzel Jello Salad:

1. Pretzel Size: Crush the pretzels into small pieces, but not too fine. You want a bit of texture and crunch in the crust.
2. Cooling Time: Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cool before adding the peach Jello layer to prevent it from becoming soggy.
3. Chilling: Let each layer set and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator to maintain the distinct layers and textures.
4. Fresh or Canned Peaches: You can use fresh or canned peaches for this recipe. If using canned, be sure to drain them well.

Peach Pretzel Jello Salad is a delightful dessert that combines contrasting textures and flavors in a harmonious, sweet, and salty medley. This dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect addition to your special occasions and gatherings. Share the joy of this delightful treat with your loved ones and savor the taste of summer with every bite!