Pretzel Gelatin Dessert

Name: Pretzel Gelatin Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed pretzels; 3/4 cup butter, melted; 2 tablespoons sugar; FILLING:; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed; TOPPING:; 2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin; 2 cups boiling water; 1/2 cup cold water; Fresh strawberries and additional whipped topping, optional

This is one of my mother's absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois

Ingredients

2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
FILLING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
TOPPING:
2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
Fresh strawberries and additional whipped topping, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter and sugar; press onto bottom of an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.
For filling, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in whipped topping; spread over crust. Refrigerate, covered, until cold.
In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cold water; refrigerate until partially set. Pour carefully over filling. Refrigerate, covered, until firm, 4-6 hours.
Cut into squares. If desired, serve with strawberries and additional whipped topping.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 401 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 401mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

Originally published as Pretzel Dessert in Test Kitchen Favorites Cookbook

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Elaine

Jul 10, 2019

I used raspberry jello for more flavor, and I sprinkled fresh blueberries on the cream cheese filling and topped with jello mixture.
Rachel

Jun 29, 2019

This has been a family favorite for 50 years. Try adding frozen unsweetened strawberries on the top before pouring on the jello. You will only need 1sm. pk. of jello. Also substitute pineapple juice for the water in the jello. We also spread on the cream cheese and sugar layer then a layer of whipped topping. My great aunt Tilly was in charge of the kitchens for Howard Jones back in the 60' or 70's. Family lore is that's where this recipe originated.
rob

Apr 29, 2019

I grew up with this, although it’s usually a side, not dessert. And we always added sliced, sweetened strawberries to the gelatin. It can be made with gluten-free pretzels as well. One of my family’s favorites!
Gina

Dec 31, 2018

Can i ask a question? Can i add juice to unflavored gelatin to make this dessert or must i use flavored? Any ratio advice?
Micheline Ann

Jul 10, 2018

HAVE been making this dessert for a very long time :) Nice to see it up here again for all of the "newer" Generations! Amnd ANYONE can make this adding "new" tastes twists! :) I like reading recipes that someone changed with different ingredients, and then they ARE'T fake, just THEIR renditions ;) Yeah, seems like Rinty WAS having a bad day...maybe her cake fell ;)
Jechapman50

May 16, 2018

Just made this Jello Dessert on Monday, as my Potluck Dish and it was a BIG HIT!
Karen

Mar 25, 2018

Love this recipe. I make it with orange jello and place mandarin oranges in place then carefully pour on the slightly jelled jello. People can’t figure out what’s in the crust and are amazed that it’s pretzles!
4Breyer

Nov 16, 2017

Looking forward to making this. I'm going to use raspberry jello and raspberries from my garden. Will let you know how it turns out.
fhquilting

Aug 31, 2017

Wonderful dessert...especially with raspberries and raspberry jello. I have also made it on a corn flake crust.I think Rinty's problem is anger and she probably strikes out often. Her review was tasteless and unnecessary.
wild_violet1964

Aug 29, 2017

Great go to salad for something cool and refreshing. I have done variations of this salad with different fruit flavors peaches, raspberries or no fruit and different flavored jello.