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This Pineapple Pretzel Salad is the ultimate sweet and salty dessert! Think buttery, crunchy pretzel crust, a light and creamy cheesecake layer, and a refreshing pineapple Jell-O topping that’s both tangy and tropical. Whether you’re making it for Easter dinner, summer BBQs, or just because—trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Say goodbye to the strawberry version and hello to this pineapple twist!
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Pretzel Salad
- The Perfect Sweet & Salty Combo – Buttery pretzels + creamy filling + fruity pineapple = pure magic.
- Super Easy to Make – Simple steps, big flavor payoff!
- Great for Holidays & Gatherings – A total crowd-pleaser for Easter, summer picnics, or potlucks.
- Refreshing & Light – Despite its indulgence, this dessert feels light and fresh with every bite.
Ingredients Pineapple Pretzel Salad
Gather your ingredients and let’s make some Pineapple Pretzel Salad magic!
For the Crust:
- Crushed Pretzels – Adds the perfect crunch and salty contrast to the sweetness.
- Salted Butter – Binds the crust together and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Slightly sweetens the pretzel crust.
For the Topping:
- Water – Used to dissolve the Jell-O.
- Pineapple Jell-O – Gives that signature fruity flavor and color.
- Crushed Ice – Helps set the Jell-O mixture quickly.
- Crushed Pineapple in Syrup – Adds real pineapple flavor and texture.
- Whipped Topping – Light and fluffy for a creamy, dreamy layer.
- Cream Cheese – Brings richness and tang to balance the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and smooths out the cream cheese layer.
Optional Garnishes:
- Pineapple Tidbits – For extra pineapple goodness on top.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – A bright, refreshing touch.
👉 Full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
How to Make Pineapple Pretzel Salad
Prepare the Pretzel Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
Make the Pineapple Jell-O Layer
- Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle Pineapple Jell-O over the water and stir until dissolved.
- Add 1 cup crushed ice and stir until the ice melts.
Prepare the Pineapple
- Drain crushed pineapple in a strainer, pressing out as much liquid as possible.
- Stir the drained pineapple into the Jell-O mixture.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until it starts to set slightly.
Make the Creamy Layer
- In a large bowl, beat together whipped topping, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble & Chill
- Carefully spoon the partially set pineapple Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Cover and chill for 4-6 hours (or overnight) until firm.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Cut into squares and garnish with extra whipped topping, pineapple tidbits, and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
- Dig in and enjoy this sweet, salty, and tropical treat!
Bonus Variant: Coconut Pineapple Pretzel Salad
Want to take your Pineapple Pretzel Salad to the next level? Try this Coconut Pineapple Twist for an extra tropical vibe!
What’s Different?
- Toasted Coconut Flakes – Adds a light crunch and tropical flavor.
- Coconut Cream in the Filling – Makes the creamy layer extra rich and luscious.
- Macadamia Nuts – Sprinkle chopped roasted macadamia nuts over the top for a nutty, buttery crunch!
How to Make It:
- Add ½ cup toasted coconut to the cream cheese filling for extra tropical flavor.
- Swap ½ cup of the whipped topping for ½ cup coconut cream for a richer texture.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut and chopped macadamia nuts over the top before serving.
🌴 Result? A creamy, tropical, slightly nutty version of your favorite dessert that tastes like a vacation in every bite!
🍋 If you love tropical and citrusy flavors, you have to try this Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe! It’s soft, tangy, and the perfect complement to your Pineapple Pretzel Salad.👉👉Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe…
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Best enjoyed within 24 hours for the freshest texture.
Freezing
- Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
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Reheating
- No reheating needed! Just slice and enjoy cold.
How to Serve Pineapple Pretzel Salad
This Pineapple Pretzel Salad is best served:
- Chilled, straight from the fridge for the perfect texture.
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- With a dollop of extra whipped topping and a sprinkle of crushed pretzels on top.
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- Alongside a holiday meal like Easter ham or BBQ dishes for a refreshing contrast.
🥧 Hosting a holiday gathering? Pair your Pineapple Pretzel Salad with this rich and buttery Pecan Pie Recipe for the ultimate dessert spread!👉👉Pecan Pie Recipe…
Pro Tips for Making Pineapple Pretzel Salad
- Don’t Overbake the Crust – 10 minutes is just right; any longer and it may stick.
- Press the Pineapple Well – The Jell-O mixture won’t set properly if there’s too much liquid left in the pineapple.
- Chill for Best Texture – Let the salad set at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better!
- Use Vanilla Pudding Instead of Jell-O – If you can’t find Pineapple Jell-O, mix vanilla pudding with pineapple juice for a creamy twist.
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FAQs Pineapple Pretzel Salad
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert is best when made the night before so the layers have time to set properly.
What can I use instead of Pineapple Jell-O?
If you can’t find Pineapple Jell-O, you can use plain gelatin (5 teaspoons total) and mix it with pineapple juice. Vanilla pudding is another great substitute!
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple contains enzymes that prevent the gelatin from setting, so it’s best to stick with canned crushed pineapple for this recipe.
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How do I keep the pretzel crust from getting soggy?
Make sure the cream cheese layer completely covers the crust—this helps create a barrier between the Jell-O and the pretzels, keeping them crunchy!
This Pineapple Pretzel Salad is sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy—the ultimate dessert for any occasion! Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just want to treat yourself, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! Would you choose this pineapple version over the classic strawberry? 🍍🥨💛
Print
Pineapple Pretzel Salad Recipe – The Perfect
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake (except for the crust)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Pretzel Salad is the ultimate sweet and salty dessert! 🥨🍍 A buttery pretzel crust, a light and creamy cheesecake layer, and a refreshing pineapple Jell-O topping come together to create a dessert that’s perfect for holidays, BBQs, and summer gatherings. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust:
- Crushed pretzels – Adds the perfect salty crunch.
- Salted butter – Binds the crust and enhances flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Adds a slight sweetness to balance the saltiness.
For the Pineapple Topping:
- Water – Used to dissolve the Jell-O.
- Pineapple Jell-O – Brings tropical flavor and vibrant color.
- Crushed ice – Helps set the Jell-O quickly.
- Crushed pineapple in syrup – Adds real fruit flavor and texture.
For the Creamy Layer:
- Whipped topping – Light and fluffy for a smooth texture.
- Cream cheese – Adds richness and a slight tang.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the creamy filling.
Optional Garnishes:
- Pineapple tidbits – Extra pineapple goodness on top.
- Fresh mint leaves – A bright, refreshing touch.
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Pretzel Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Cool completely before adding layers.
2️⃣ Make the Pineapple Jell-O Layer
- Boil 1 cup water and dissolve Pineapple Jell-O in it.
- Add 1 cup crushed ice and stir until melted.
3️⃣ Prepare the Pineapple
- Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid.
- Stir the pineapple into the Jell-O mixture and refrigerate for 15 minutes to slightly set.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Layer
- Beat cream cheese, whipped topping, and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
5️⃣ Assemble & Chill
- Carefully spoon the partially set pineapple Jell-O over the cream cheese layer.
- Cover and chill for 4-6 hours (or overnight) until firm.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice into squares and garnish with extra whipped topping, pineapple tidbits, and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Notes
- For a Crunchy Crust – Bake the crust for only 10 minutes to avoid sticking.
- Drain Pineapple Well – This prevents the Jell-O layer from being too watery.
- Chill for Best Results – The longer it chills, the better the texture.
- No Pineapple Jell-O? – Use plain gelatin (5 tsp) and pineapple juice instead!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 561 kcal
- Sugar: 59g
- Sodium: 509mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
Keywords: pineapple pretzel salad, pineapple jello pretzel salad, sweet and salty dessert, summer dessert, tropical pretzel salad, no-bake pineapple dessert