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To create a delicious Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad, gather these ingredients. Each part adds a special touch to this fun treat. - Pretzel Crust Components - 2 cups pretzel sticks, crushed - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup granulated sugar - Cream Cheese Layer Ingredients - 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature - 1 cup powdered sugar - 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip) - Fruit Layer Ingredients - 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, thoroughly drained - 1 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained - 1 cup mini marshmallows These ingredients work together for a great balance of flavors. The salty pretzel crust pairs well with the sweet cream cheese layer and fruity toppings. Each bite gives you a mix of textures. Enjoy making this tasty treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the crust bake evenly. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed pretzel sticks with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix them well until all pretzels are coated. Then, transfer this mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Press it firmly down to make a solid crust. Bake for about 10 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden. After baking, take it out and let it cool completely. Next, grab another bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Gradually add ½ cup of granulated sugar while mixing. Keep mixing until it’s well combined. Now, gently fold in 8 oz of whipped topping. This makes the cream cheese layer light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix. Once your pretzel crust is cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top. Make sure to cover all corners. Next, in another bowl, mix 1 can of drained mandarin oranges, 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple, and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Spoon this fruity mixture over the cream cheese layer. Now, prepare the gelatin according to the package. Use 1 cup of boiling water, then add 1 cup of cold water. Let it cool a bit before pouring it over the fruit layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. When you’re ready, cut it into squares and enjoy this tasty treat! To make a great pretzel crust, start with fresh pretzel sticks. Crush them well but not too fine. Aim for small chunks for better texture. Mix the crushed pretzels with melted butter until well coated. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely to prevent sogginess. For the cream cheese layer, you can add flavor. Consider mixing in a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of lemon juice. This adds a nice twist. You can also use flavored whipped topping for extra flair. Try strawberry or vanilla. For a nutty touch, fold in some finely chopped nuts. When serving, cut the salad into neat squares. A decorative platter makes it look special. Add fresh mint leaves or mandarin slices on top for color. You can also drizzle a little honey on each piece for added sweetness. This will make your salad pop with flavor and beauty! Pro Tips Crush Pretzels Evenly: Ensure that the pretzel sticks are crushed into uniform sizes for a consistent crust texture, which helps in achieving a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors. Chill Thoroughly: Allow the dessert to chill overnight if possible. This helps the layers set properly, ensuring that each slice holds its shape and the flavors meld beautifully. Use Fresh Fruit: Opt for fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned for a brighter flavor and better texture, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. Garnish Creatively: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top before serving to add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. {{image_4}} You can change up the fruit in this salad. Try using fresh strawberries or blueberries. Both add a nice pop of color and flavor. You can even mix in sliced bananas for a creamy twist. Each fruit gives a unique taste that pairs well with the salty pretzel base. Gelatin can really change this dish. Instead of orange gelatin, try pineapple or strawberry. Each flavor brings a new vibe to the salad. If you choose a berry flavor, it can add a fun twist. Just follow the same steps using your chosen gelatin flavor. Making this salad gluten-free is easy. Use gluten-free pretzels instead of regular ones. For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Look for coconut whipped topping as a substitute for the whipped topping. These changes keep the taste tasty while fitting your diet needs. To store leftovers, place the Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. This will keep the flavors intact and the texture nice. You do not need to reheat this salad. It is best served cold. Simply take it from the fridge, cut it into squares, and enjoy. If you prefer a slightly warmer treat, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will soften the cream cheese layer a bit. Freezing the salad is not recommended. The creamy layers and fruit can become watery when thawed. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, make sure to store it in the fridge instead. This will help keep the salad tasting fresh and looking great. Yes, you can make Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad ahead of time. In fact, I often do! It tastes better when it sits in the fridge. I recommend making it a day before you plan to serve it. This allows all the flavors to blend and the layers to set nicely. If you can’t find whipped topping, don’t worry! You can use heavy cream instead. Just whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. This gives a light, fluffy texture similar to whipped topping. You can also use homemade whipped cream if you prefer. The salad keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This helps keep it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. Enjoy it while it’s still creamy and delicious! This blog post covered how to make Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad. We discussed its tasty layers, starting from the pretzel crust to the fruit topping. You learned about tips for a perfect crust and how to store leftovers. Remember, you can customize it with different fruits or gelatin flavors. This dessert is easy to make and a fun treat. I hope you feel ready to create your own version! Enjoy every bite of your salad.

Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad

A delightful dessert combining a salty pretzel crust, creamy cheese layer, and fruity topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel sticks, crushed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
  • 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, thoroughly drained
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzel sticks with the melted butter. Mix until the pretzels are completely coated in butter. Transfer this mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, pressing it firmly into the bottom to create a uniform crust. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate the granulated sugar, continuing to mix until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is seamlessly integrated.
  • Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the pretzel crust is completely cool, evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on top, ensuring you reach all corners of the crust for a uniform layer.
  • Prepare the Fruit Layer: In another bowl, combine the drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Gently mix the fruits together, then spoon this delightful fruity mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  • Make the Gelatin Topping: In a separate bowl, prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions, using 1 cup of boiling water followed by 1 cup of cold water. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before carefully pouring it over the fruit layer.
  • Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight, allowing the layers to set nicely.
  • Serve: When ready to indulge, cut the dessert into squares, serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors!

Notes

For an appealing presentation, consider serving the squares on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or additional mandarin orange slices.
Keyword dessert, fruit salad, pretzel salad