This fun dessert combines tasty raspberry, creamy layers, and crunchy pretzels—all without gluten! It’s a sweet and salty treat that everyone will love!
Honestly, who thought pretzels could be dessert? It’s my favorite surprise at get-togethers. I enjoy serving it cold, and it always gets smiles around the table! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Pretzels: These are crucial for that salty crunch. If you don’t have gluten-free pretzels, you can use crushed gluten-free cereal as a base instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my choice for better control over sweetness. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a similar richness.
Cream Cheese: This gives that creamy texture. Use regular cream cheese for richness, but if you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives available at most stores.
Raspberry Gelatin: The jello adds flavor and color. If you prefer a natural approach, use fresh raspberries blended with a bit of sugar and set with agar-agar as a vegan alternative.
Whipped Topping: I love Cool Whip for its lightness. However, you could make homemade whipped cream using coconut cream for a delightful non-dairy option.
How Do I Ensure My Cream Cheese Mixture is Smooth?
Getting a smooth cream cheese layer is key to avoid lumps. Here’s what I recommend:
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature; it will blend much easier.
- Beat it well first on its own before adding sugar. This breaks it down nicely.
- When folding in the whipped topping, use a gentle hand to keep it light and airy.
Following these tips will help you achieve a creamy and delicious layer that complements the crunchy pretzel crust perfectly!
Gluten-Free Raspberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free pretzels, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
For the Raspberry Layer:
- 2 packages (3 oz each) raspberry-flavored gelatin (jello)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert requires about 20 minutes of preparation time, and you’ll need to chill it for at least 3-4 hours before serving. It’s a simple process of mixing and layering, making it a fun treat for gatherings or family dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare the Crust:
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed gluten-free pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until everything is evenly moistened.
2. Bake the Crust:
Next, press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a nice even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until it’s set. Once baked, take it out and allow it to cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the crust cools, let’s prepare the cream cheese layer. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until it’s well combined.
4. Assemble the Layers:
Now, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Cover it and place it back in the fridge while you prepare the gelatin layer.
5. Prepare Raspberry Gelatin:
In a large heatproof bowl, dissolve the raspberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring well until it’s fully dissolved. Allow the gelatin to cool to room temperature without letting it set.
6. Add Raspberries to Gelatin:
Once the gelatin is cooled, gently stir in the fresh raspberries. Be careful not to crush them too much; you want them to stay whole for that burst of flavor!
7. Top the Salad:
Carefully pour the raspberry gelatin mixture evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer. Return the dish to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 3-4 hours, or until the gelatin is firm.
8. Serve:
Finally, cut into squares and serve chilled. Feel free to garnish each serving with extra fresh raspberries for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your refreshing, gluten-free raspberry pretzel salad!
This dessert offers a delightful crunch from the gluten-free pretzel crust, a creamy filling, and a fruity topping, making it perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Gelatin?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raspberry, you can substitute with other flavors like strawberry or cherry. Just ensure that the gelatin is gluten-free if you’re catering to dietary restrictions.
Can I Make This Dessert Vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped topping. You can also opt for agar-agar instead of gelatin for the raspberry layer to keep it vegan.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness!
Is There a Substitute for Whipped Topping?
If you’re looking for an alternative, homemade whipped cream made from heavy cream or coconut cream works perfectly! Just whip until soft peaks form, and fold it into the cream cheese gently for a delightful taste.