Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise! This Tropical Orange Pretzel Salad is not your ordinary dessert - it's a mind-blowing combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and tangy flavors that will have everyone begging for your recipe. Imagine a crunchy pretzel crust, topped with a silky cream cheese layer, and crowned with a vibrant orange gelatin that's packed with juicy mandarin oranges. This isn't just a dessert; it's a culinary adventure that will make you the star of any potluck, family gathering, or summer party!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 package orange gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your crust bakes evenly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir until the pretzels are well coated with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to form a crust. Make sure it is evenly spread out and compacted.
- Bake the pretzel crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- While the crust is cooling, prepare the cream cheese layer. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened 8 ounces of cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup of whipped topping to the cream cheese and mix until fully combined and fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to reach the edges to prevent the gelatin from seeping into the crust.
- In another bowl, dissolve 1 package of orange gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Allow the gelatin mixture to cool for a few minutes, then gently fold in the drained can of mandarin oranges.
- Pour the orange gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
- Once set, cut the Tropical Orange Pretzel Salad into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Tips
- Crush pretzels to a consistent, medium-fine texture for the perfect crust - not too fine, not too chunky.
- Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to avoid lumps in the cream layer.
- Let the pretzel crust cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent sogginess.
- When adding the gelatin, let it cool slightly to prevent melting the cream cheese layer.
- For an extra touch, garnish with a few reserved mandarin orange slices or a sprinkle of crushed pretzels before serving.
- Chill for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor melding.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, smooth slices when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
