Pineapple pretzel salad is a unique and delightful dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the salty crunch of pretzels all enveloped in creamy whipped topping. This dish is often referred to as a ¡°salad,¡± though it¡¯s more akin to a lush dessert or sweet side dish, making it a favorite at potlucks, picnics and holiday gatherings. The bottom layer is a buttery pretzel crust, providing satisfying crunch. Above that sits a rich cream cheese layer, and the top is adorned with cheerful, pineapple-studded whipped topping. This combination of texture and flavor is unexpectedly delicious and will quickly become a requested dish at any event.
Ingredients:
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? For the Pretzel Crust:
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? 2 cups crushed pretzels
? 3/4 cup melted butter
? 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
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? For the Cream Cheese Layer:
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? 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
? 1/2 cup granulated sugar
? 1 cup whipped topping
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? For the Pineapple Topping:
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? 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
? 1 (6-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
? 1 cup whipped topping
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Instructions:
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1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust:
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? Preheat your oven to 350¡ãF (175¡ãC). Combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9¡Á13-inch
baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
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2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
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? In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this mixture over the cooled pretzel
crust. Make sure to spread it to the edges to seal the crust and prevent the next layer from making it soggy.
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3. Prepare the Pineapple Topping:
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? In a separate bowl, mix the drained crushed pineapple with the dry vanilla pudding mix until well combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping.
Spread this pineapple mixture over the cream cheese layer.
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4. Chill and Serve:
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? Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set the layers and allow the flavors to meld.
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This Pineapple Pretzel Salad is a symphony of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, and it¡¯s sure to dazzle your taste buds. It¡¯s perfect for those who
love a dessert that¡¯s not overwhelmingly sweet but still offers a satisfying array of flavors and textures.
