Introduction

This Raspberry Pretzel Jello dessert is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors with a creamy texture and a fruity finish. It’s an easy-to-make treat perfect for parties or a summer treat that everyone will love.

A white ornate plate holds a square dessert with three clear layers: a bottom crunchy brown nut layer, a middle smooth white cream layer, and a shiny bright red jelly top layer with embedded whole raspberries. Around the dessert, ripe red raspberries are placed, and a shiny silver fork sits near the dessert on the plate. In the background, a red cloth napkin and a red tulip with green leaves rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 oz package Raspberry Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
2 1/2 cups salted pretzel sticks (before crushing)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 stick (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter
1 8oz package cream cheese – softened
1 8oz package Cool Whip – thawed in the refrigerator
3/4 cup granulated sugar
12 oz bag frozen raspberries – thawed in refrigerator

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Combine the Raspberry Jell-O packet with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well and set aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Crush 2 1/2 cups of pretzel sticks by placing them in a zip-top bag and gently pounding them with a rolling pin until finely crushed.
Step 4: Melt the stick of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and stir until combined. Add the crushed pretzels and mix thoroughly to coat.
Step 5: Lightly press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F, then remove and let cool to room temperature.
Step 6: While the pretzel crust is cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup granulated sugar on medium-low speed until smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip using a spatula until evenly mixed.
Step 8: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to go all the way to the edges to seal the crust and prevent leaking. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Arrange the thawed raspberries evenly on top of the cream cheese layer.
Step 10: Pour the cooled Raspberry Jell-O evenly over the raspberries. Refrigerate until the Jell-O is fully set, about 4 hours or overnight.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds on the pretzel crust before baking.
If fresh raspberries are available, feel free to substitute them for frozen for a brighter flavor.
Use sugar-free Jell-O for a lower-sugar version of this dessert.
To ensure a smooth cream cheese layer, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.

Storage

Store the Raspberry Pretzel Jello dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the texture and flavor. To serve, slice with a sharp knife and serve cold. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture of the Jell-O and cream layers.

How to Serve

A square piece of dessert with three clear layers sits on a white plate with intricate designs. The bottom layer is a crunchy, light brown base made from nuts and crumbs. The middle layer is thick and creamy white, smooth in texture. The top layer is a shiny, bright red jelly filled with whole raspberries, giving it a translucent look. Several fresh raspberries are placed around the dessert on the plate. A silver fork is positioned near the dessert on the right side. The background is a white marbled surface with some red cloth and blurred green elements behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be made the day before serving. Just be sure to refrigerate it so the Jell-O sets properly and the layers stay fresh.

What can I substitute for Cool Whip?

You can substitute Cool Whip with an equal amount of homemade whipped cream or store-bought whipped topping. Just make sure it is thawed and light enough to fold into the cream cheese mixture smoothly.