This Gluten-Free Raspberry Pretzel Salad is a fun mix of crunchy pretzels, sweet cream cheese, and tart raspberries! It’s a treat that’s perfect for any gathering.
Honestly, the salty-sweet combo is hard to resist. I usually end up eating way more than I planned! 😄 Serve it chilled, and watch it disappear in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Pretzels: These are the base of your crust. If you can’t find gluten-free pretzels, try using crushed gluten-free crackers for a similar texture.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and richness. Neufchâtel can be a lighter alternative, or for a dairy-free version, consider using vegan cream cheese.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipping cream gives a fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use a mix of Greek yogurt and milk to achieve a similar effect!
Raspberry Gelatin: Opt for sugar-free gelatin if you want to cut back on sugar. You could even use fresh fruit puree with gelatin if you prefer a more natural option.
How Do I Get the Whipped Cream Just Right?
Getting the right texture for the whipped cream is crucial for the cream cheese layer. Here’s how to do it:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before whipping. Cold equipment helps the cream whip better.
- Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Start whipping on medium speed, gradually increasing to high.
- When peaks begin to form, add the vanilla extract. Continue until you reach stiff peaks, where the cream holds its shape firmly.
Make sure not to overwhip, or you might end up with butter! Gently fold your whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep it light and fluffy.
Gluten-Free Raspberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free pretzels, crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Layer:
- 2 packages (3 oz each) raspberry gelatin (e.g., Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
For Topping:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 20 minutes of active preparation time and then requires at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. Give yourself time to enjoy the process, and remember it needs to set properly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed gluten-free pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar until everything is well combined. Press this mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to create your crust. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s slightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the crust is cooling, you can make the cream cheese layer. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Then, gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s fully incorporated. It will be light and fluffy, perfect for layering!
3. Prepare the Raspberry Gelatin:
Next, grab a large bowl and dissolve the raspberry gelatin packets in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir it well until completely dissolved. Then add in 2 cups of cold water. Allow the gelatin to cool to room temperature but don’t let it set yet—this step ensures a nice, even layer on top of your dessert.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Pour a layer of fresh raspberries over the cream cheese layer you just spread on top of the cooled pretzel crust. Carefully pour the cooled raspberry gelatin over the raspberries, making sure to spread it evenly. This colorful layer adds a refreshing touch!
5. Chill and Serve:
Once everything is assembled, cover the dessert and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin layer is firmly set. Before serving, feel free to garnish with more fresh raspberries and mint leaves if desired. Enjoy this delicious, refreshing gluten-free treat that beautifully balances salty pretzel crunch with creamy sweetness and fruity goodness!
Can I Use Different Flavored Gelatin?
Absolutely! While raspberry gives great flavor and color, you can substitute it with any other gelatin flavor, like strawberry or blueberry, to mix things up.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert is best enjoyed fresh but will hold up nicely for a short time in the fridge.
Can I Make This Dessert Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream as substitutes for the dairy components, making it suitable for a dairy-free diet.
What Can I Use Instead of Gluten-Free Pretzels?
If you can’t find gluten-free pretzels, crushed gluten-free cookies or crackers can be great alternatives! Just ensure they have a similar crunch and saltiness.
