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Pineapple Pretzel Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Pineapple Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy, salty pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping layer, and a juicy pineapple topping. Perfect for summer potlucks and gatherings, this recipe combines sweet, salty, and tangy flavors for a refreshing treat that requires minimal baking and easy assembly.


Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Filling

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Topping

  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
  • Extra crushed pretzels or pineapple tidbits for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare Pretzel Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar until fully mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
  2. Bake the Crust: Bake the pretzel crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After baking, remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely to set.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully incorporated.
  4. Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Be sure to seal the edges well to prevent the topping from seeping through the crust.
  5. Add Pineapple Layer: Evenly spread the well-drained crushed pineapple over the cream cheese layer, making sure to cover it entirely.
  6. Chill and Garnish: Cover the dish and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set. Before serving, optionally garnish with extra crushed pretzels or pineapple bits for added texture and decoration.

Notes

  • Ensure the pineapple is thoroughly drained to avoid a soggy top layer.
  • You can prepare this dessert a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
  • For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut or a splash of coconut extract to the cream cheese layer.