Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad has a pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, and a fruity gelatin topping. It’s a side dish that easily doubles as dessert!

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Do you usually enjoy these gelatin salads more as a dessert or as a side dish?

We enjoy it both ways – in the warmer months, usually more as a side dish … in the cooler months, usually as a dessert. It’s a great dish no matter when you serve it!

Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad

The great this about this Orange Jello Pretzel Salad is that you can enjoy it as a side dish or a dessert! Although it does require some time to make, most of that time is just waiting for it to set up. Starting with a pretzel crust, it’s then topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, then a fruity orange layer, followed by a whipped topping layer. Garnish it with orange peel and an orange wedge, if desired.

Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad – Utensils Needed

Mixing bowls
9×13-in baking pan
hand mixer
spatula

Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad – Recipe Ingredients

For the pretzel crust:

3/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups finely crushed pretzels

For the fruit layer:

2 cups boiling water
2 packages (3 ounces each) orange gelatin
2 cans (8 ounces each) crushed pineapple, drained
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

For the cheese layer:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups whipped topping

Optional:

Additional whipped topping and mandarin oranges

Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad – Recipe Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, mix melted butter and 1 tablespoon sugar; stir in pretzels. Press mixture onto the bottom of an ungreased 13×9-in. baking dish. Bake 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, add boiling water to gelatin; stir 2 minutes or until completely dissolved. Stir in fruit. Refrigerate until partially set, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust.
Gently spoon gelatin mixture over top. Refrigerate, covered, until firm, 4-6 hours.
To serve, cut into squares. Top with additional whipped topping and oranges, if desired.

Orange Jello Pretzel Salad Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! It actually needs time to set up correctly, so making it a day or two in advance is a great idea!

Other recipes you may enjoy:

Tell me what you’re making!

In the comments below, let me know how this recipe came out for you! Did you and your family totally adore it?! Or did you have to make variations? If you have questions about any part of the recipe, too, ask away!

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Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad

Name: Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Yield: 18
Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter, melted; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 cups finely crushed pretzels; 2 cups boiling water; 2 packages (3 ounces each) orange gelatin; 2 cans (8 ounces each) crushed pineapple, drained; 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 cups whipped topping; Additional whipped topping and mandarin oranges

Yield: 18 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad has a pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, and a fruity gelatin topping. It's a side dish that easily doubles as dessert!