This Raspberry Pretzel Salad Cake is a fun mix of salty and sweet! With a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and lovely raspberry topping, it’s sure to impress everyone.
I like to serve this cake at get-togethers; it’s always a hit! Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll have time to enjoy the party too. 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: The crushed pretzels give the base a delightful salty crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pretzels or even crushed rice crackers for a similar texture!
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds creaminess and tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep it creamy.
Heavy Cream: This is perfect for whipping and makes your filling fluffy. If you want a lower-fat version, you can use whipped topping instead, but the flavor will be different. I like the richness that heavy cream provides!
Raspberry Gelatin: For a different fruit flavor, you can substitute the raspberry gelatin with strawberry or cherry. Just make sure the flavors blend well with the other ingredients!
How Do I Make Sure My Gelatin Sets Perfectly?
Getting the gelatin to set right can be tricky, but with a couple of tips, you’ll nail it! Always ensure that the gelatin mixture cools to room temperature before pouring it over the cream layer—this prevents it from melting the cream cheese mixture.
- Make sure you fully dissolve the gelatin in boiling water by stirring it well.
- Let the gelatin cool for about 15-20 minutes. It should be warm, not hot, when you mix in the raspberries.
- If you notice it starts to thicken too soon, just give it a gentle stir to loosen it again before pouring.
These tips should help you achieve that beautiful layer of raspberry topping. Enjoy your baking!
Raspberry Pretzel Salad Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
For The Whipped Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For The Raspberry Layer:
- 2 (3 oz) packages raspberry gelatin (Jello)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for preparation and then 4 hours for chilling. This lovely dessert does require some patience while the gelatin sets up, but you can kick back and relax during that time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and the melted butter until everything is well combined. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan to create an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well blended. Spread this delicious creamy filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the raspberry layer.
3. Prepare the Raspberry Layer:
To make the raspberry topping, dissolve the raspberry gelatin packets in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool down to room temperature before it starts to set. Once it’s cool, gently stir in the fresh raspberries. Carefully pour the gelatin and raspberry mixture over the creamy layer in the pan.
4. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the entire cake for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. When it’s ready, cut it into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the lovely balance of salty, sweet, and tart flavors!
This delightful dessert is perfect for parties or just a special treat for yourself. Enjoy every bite! 🍰
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit for the Topping?
Absolutely! You can substitute the raspberry gelatin and fresh raspberries with other flavors like strawberry, blueberry, or cherry. Just make sure the flavors complement the cream cheese filling for a delicious result!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes, this dessert can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It actually gets better as the flavors meld together!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it chilled to maintain the texture and flavors!
What If My Gelatin Doesn’t Set?
If your gelatin seems runny after chilling, it may not have been dissolved properly or cooled enough before adding it to the dish. Always check that the gelatin is completely dissolved in boiling water and allowed to cool before pouring it over the cream layer.