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Peach Pretzel Salad

A layered dessert that balances a crunchy, salty pretzel crust with a sweet and creamy filling, topped with a fresh peach gelatin layer. Bright peach flavor and contrasting textures make this salad a refreshing, crowd-pleasing treat for warm-weather gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust
2 cups crushed pretzels, 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the cream layer
8 ounces cream cheese softened, 1 cup powdered sugar sifted, 8 ounces whipped topping thawed

For the peach layer
1 package (3 ounces) peach-flavored gelatin, 2 cups boiling water, 1 cup cold water, 2 cups fresh peaches diced and well drained

Instructions

Combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter and granulated sugar in a bowl and stir until the mixture holds together when pressed. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until set, about five minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

In a medium bowl beat the softened cream cheese with the sifted powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain and the mixture is uniform in color. Spread evenly over the cooled pretzel crust and return the pan to the refrigerator while you prepare the gelatin.

Dissolve the peach-flavored gelatin in the boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Stir in the cold water, then gently fold in the diced, well-drained peaches. Let the mixture cool briefly until it begins to thicken at the edges, then carefully pour it over the cream layer, tilting the dish as needed to create an even layer. Refrigerate until completely set, at least four hours or overnight.

Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to slice into squares. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor contrast.

Notes

Be sure the crust is fully cooled before adding the cream layer to prevent sinking or melting. Well-drained peaches help the gelatin set firmly; you can briefly freeze diced fruit before adding to remove excess moisture. For a lighter variation, swap half the whipped topping for lightly sweetened whipped cream. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the pretzel crust is crispiest when served within the first two days.