As the summer sun warms your skin and the days stretch long into the evenings, there’s no better time to indulge in a dessert that’s as refreshing as it is delightful. Enter the Peach Pretzel Jello Salad: a unique blend of crunchy, salty pretzels, creamy sweetness, and the juicy goodness of peaches set in jello. It’s a layered treat that offers a symphony of textures and flavors, perfect for your next barbecue or potluck. Here’s how to whip up this crowd-pleaser:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed into small pieces
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Filling:
- 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 8 oz container frozen whipped topping, thawed
For the Topping:
- 6 oz. package peach jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cans peaches, drained and sliced
Directions:
- Kick things off by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared dish, creating a firm, even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is uniform. Spread this creamy filling over your cooled pretzel crust and pop it in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until it’s set.
- While the filling chills, prepare the jello by dissolving the peach jello packet in boiling water. Stir until there are no granules left, then let it cool to room temperature.
- Once the cream cheese layer is set, arrange the peach slices over it in a pattern that pleases you. Pour the cooled jello over the peaches and cream cheese layer carefully.
- Refrigerate the dish again, this time for 2-3 hours, or until the jello is firm and set.
Closing Thoughts:
This Peach Pretzel Jello Salad is a playful and delicious dessert that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The contrast of the crunchy pretzel crust with the creamy filling and the fruity jello is a true delight. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
Serve this chilled dessert at your next gathering, and watch as it becomes the topic of conversation, second only to the memories being made. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and don’t forget to share the joy