Peach Pretzel Salad is a delicious and refreshing dessert that combines a sweet and salty pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant peach gelatin topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peach Pretzel Salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. The salty, buttery pretzel crust pairs beautifully with the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, while the peach gelatin topping adds a burst of refreshing fruit flavor. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking beyond the crust. It’s an ideal dish for family gatherings, barbecues, or any celebration that calls for a fun and crowd-pleasing dessert! Peach Pretzel Salad

Ingredients

2½ cups pretzels, crushed
1½ cups granulated sugar, divided into ¾ cup and ¾ cup
¾ cup butter, melted
12 ounces cream cheese
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 ounces Cool Whip
6 ounces peach gelatin
2 cups water, boiling
2 cups ice water
4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 4 to 5 large peaches)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 pan.
In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, ¾ cup sugar, and the melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 pan.
Bake the pretzel base for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, the remaining ¾ cup sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Fold in the Cool Whip until evenly incorporated.
Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the cooled pretzel crust, making sure it reaches all edges to prevent the jello from seeping into the crust.
In a medium bowl, dissolve the peach gelatin in boiling water. Once dissolved, stir in the ice water. Add the diced peaches to the gelatin mixture.
Refrigerate the peach gelatin for about 15 minutes or until it thickens slightly but hasn’t fully set.
Carefully pour the peach gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
Slice into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Variations

Fruit Options: While peaches are the star in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. You can even mix several fruits together for a colorful twist.
Flavored Gelatin: Try using different flavored gelatins such as strawberry, raspberry, or orange for a new flavor profile.
Add Nuts: If you love a little crunch, add some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the pretzel crust for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed cold.
Reheating: Since this is a no-bake dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply remove from the fridge and serve cold.

FAQs

How do I prevent the jello from seeping into the pretzel crust?

To avoid this, ensure that the cream cheese layer is spread all the way to the edges of the crust. This creates a barrier that keeps the gelatin from soaking into the pretzels.

Can I make Peach Pretzel Salad a day in advance?

Yes! In fact, this dessert can be made a day ahead. The gelatin needs time to fully set, so making it the day before ensures that the dessert is chilled and ready to serve.

What other fruits can I use for the topping?

While peaches are traditional, you can use any fruit you prefer. Strawberries, blueberries, or a mix of different berries would work wonderfully as a topping.

Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can substitute whipped cream for Cool Whip, but be sure to use stabilized whipped cream so it maintains its texture in the dessert.

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?

Fresh peaches give the best texture and flavor, but if you use frozen peaches, ensure they are thawed and drained of any excess liquid before adding them to the gelatin.

How long does it take for the gelatin to set?

The gelatin should take about 2 hours in the refrigerator to set completely. For a firmer texture, you can let it sit longer.

Can I freeze Peach Pretzel Salad?

It is not recommended to freeze this dessert because the gelatin may change texture, and the cream cheese layer could become watery. However, you can freeze the pretzel crust separately and assemble the dessert when you’re ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this dessert lower in calories?

You can make a lighter version by using reduced-fat cream cheese, sugar-free gelatin, and light Cool Whip. Just be aware that the taste and texture may differ slightly from the original.

How can I make the crust more flavorful?

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of salt to the pretzel and sugar mixture for an extra flavor boost. The sweet and salty combo will become even more pronounced.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, if you use a different size pan, be sure to adjust the amount of crust and filling accordingly. A smaller pan may yield thicker layers, while a larger one could result in thinner layers.

Conclusion

Peach Pretzel Salad is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a sweet and savory treat. With its buttery pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and refreshing peach topping, this dessert is sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.