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Amazing Sweet & Salty Pretzel Orange Dessert

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This delightful dessert features a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. A crisp, buttery pretzel crust provides a salty-sweet foundation, topped with a light and airy cream cheese filling. The final layer is a vibrant, shimmering mandarin orange gelatin, studded with tender orange segments, offering a refreshing citrus note. This chilled, no-bake treat presents a balanced profile of sweet, tangy, and subtly salty elements in every bite.

Ingredients

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  • *For the Pretzel Crust:*
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • *For the Cream Cheese Layer:*
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (or 2 cups homemade whipped cream)
  • *For the Mandarin Orange Layer:*
  • 2 (3-ounce) packages orange gelatin mix
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. **Prepare the Pretzel Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. For a firmer crust, you may bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, then cool completely. Otherwise, refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:** In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until no streaks remain. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while preparing the orange layer.
  3. **Prepare the Mandarin Orange Layer:** In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin mix in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Stir in 1 cup of cold water. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes, but do not let it set.
  4. **Assemble the Dessert:** Arrange the drained mandarin orange segments evenly over the cream cheese layer. Carefully pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the oranges and cream cheese layer.
  5. **Chill and Serve:** Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the gelatin is completely set. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

* For a finer crust, process pretzels in a food processor until finely crushed.

* Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.

* Allow the gelatin to cool sufficiently before pouring to prevent melting or mixing with the cream cheese layer.

* This dessert can be made a day in advance for optimal setting and flavor development.

* Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cooksillo.com/amazing-sweet-salty-pretzel-orange-dessert/