This Gluten-Free Raspberry Pretzel Salad is a fun twist on dessert. It has a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy layer, and sweet-tart raspberry topping that’s hard to resist!
I love making this salad for parties; it’s always a hit! Plus, it’s so easy my friends think I’m a kitchen wizard. Spoiler: It’s just pretzels and berries! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Pretzels: The star of this dish is the gluten-free pretzels, which give that delightful crunch. If you’re in a pinch, you can use crushed gluten-free graham crackers or nuts for a different flavor and texture!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter touch, you can substitute softened cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for those who need it.
Heavy Whipping Cream: If you’re trying to reduce the fat content, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a non-dairy option. However, keep in mind that coconut cream will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Raspberries: Fresh berries are wonderful, but frozen raspberries work just as well! They’re often more affordable and still deliver great flavor. If you’re not a fan of raspberries, try strawberries or blueberries instead.
What’s the Best Way to Whip Cream Until It’s Just Right?
Whipping cream can be tricky if you’re not careful. To whip the cream properly, be sure to chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge first. This helps the cream whip up faster and increases volume.
- Start with cold heavy cream— it whips up better when chilled.
- Whip on medium speed until soft peaks form, then increase to high speed.
- Stop as soon as you see stiff peaks and avoid over-whipping, which can turn it into butter!
These tips will help you achieve that perfect fluffy cream layer that makes this salad so delicious!
How to Make Gluten-Free Raspberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups gluten-free pretzels, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Raspberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs to chill for about 3-4 hours. You’ll spend a little time mixing and baking, but most of the time is just letting it set in the fridge. It’s worth the wait for this creamy, fruity treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a good-sized bowl, mix the crushed gluten-free pretzels with the melted butter until well combined. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until the crust is set and smells lovely. Once done, take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Layer:
In another large bowl, grab your softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well blended. Now, take this creamy goodness and spread it evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
3. Prepare the Raspberry Topping:
For the raspberry topping, grab a saucepan and mix together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook this over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes clear. Once that’s done, remove it from the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and gently fold in your raspberries. Allow this mixture to cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the raspberry topping over the cream layer, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours—or even overnight if you can wait!
5. Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. Slice it into squares and dish it out. Enjoy your delicious, sweet, and tangy Gluten-Free Raspberry Pretzel Salad!
This dessert packs a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and fruity layers that are sure to impress. It’s great for gatherings or just a sweet treat at home!
Can I Use Regular Pretzels Instead of Gluten-Free Pretzels?
For this recipe, using regular pretzels will make the dish not gluten-free. If you don’t have gluten-free pretzels on hand, you can substitute them with crushed gluten-free graham crackers or nuts to retain that crunchy base!
Can I Make This Dessert Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for the creamy layer. Just ensure that your gluten-free pretzels or any substitutes are also dairy-free.
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover the dish well to prevent it from picking up any odors from the fridge!
Can I Use Other Fruits for the Topping?
Yes! While raspberries add a lovely flavor and color, feel free to experiment with other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste of the dessert.