🍍 Pineapple Pretzel Salad – Sweet, Salty, and Totally Irresistible!
🍰Meet your new favorite potluck dessert: Pineapple Pretzel Salad! A golden pretzel crust layered with silky cream cheese filling and juicy pineapple topping. It’s that perfect mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy that wins hearts every time.
Why you’ll love it 💛
- ✨ Texture heaven: Crunchy pretzels meet fluffy whipped topping and juicy pineapple.
- 💰 Budget-friendly: Only a few pantry staples needed.
- 🌴 Tropical flavor: The pineapple layer adds a refreshing, summery twist.
- 🎉 Perfect for parties: A crowd-pleasing dessert that travels beautifully.
Ingredients
| Layer | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Pretzel Crust |
2 cups crushed pretzels 3/4 cup melted butter 3 tbsp granulated sugar |
| Cream Cheese Filling |
8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip) |
| Pineapple Topping |
6 oz pineapple gelatin (Jell-O) 2 cups boiling water 20 oz crushed pineapple (drained) |
How to make Pineapple Pretzel Salad 🍍
- Prep the crust: Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a 9×13-inch dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make the cream layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then fold in whipped topping. Spread gently over cooled crust to seal edges.
- Prepare the pineapple layer: Dissolve pineapple gelatin in boiling water, then stir in drained crushed pineapple. Chill until thickened but not fully set (about 30–40 minutes).
- Assemble: Spoon the pineapple mixture over the cream layer evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing. ❄️
Storage & Make-Ahead 🧊
- Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Don’t freeze — it’ll change the texture of the cream and gelatin.
- Make a day ahead for best flavor blending.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Variations 🍋
- Strawberry Pretzel Twist: Swap pineapple gelatin for strawberry and add sliced strawberries.
- Coconut Cream Style: Add shredded coconut to the cream layer for tropical vibes.
- Mini Cups: Assemble in dessert jars for parties!
FAQ — Pineapple Pretzel Salad
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Not recommended — the enzymes in fresh pineapple prevent the gelatin from setting properly.
2. What kind of pretzels work best?
Small twists or sticks crushed to coarse crumbs — avoid powder-fine crumbs for best crunch.
3. Can I make this dessert sugar-free?
Yes, use sugar-free gelatin, light whipped topping, and your favorite low-calorie sweetener.
4. How do I keep the crust crunchy?
Always cool it completely before adding the cream layer, and make sure the cream seals all edges.
5. What if I don’t have Cool Whip?
You can whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Serving ideas 🎀
- Top with extra pineapple chunks for garnish.
- Drizzle caramel or white chocolate for indulgence.
- Serve alongside BBQ, holiday dinners, or Sunday brunch!
Wrap-Up 🌺
This Pineapple Pretzel Salad combines everything you crave — sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy — all in one sunshine-filled bite. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and dessert tables, this classic southern-style treat is guaranteed to steal the spotlight! 🍍💛