Vegan Raspberry Pretzel Dessert
Introduction:
Indulge your taste buds with our Vegan Raspberry Pretzel Dessert, a delightful twist on the classic favorite. This heavenly creation combines layers of tangy raspberry gelatin, crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant raspberries, resulting in a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your senses. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe promises to impress even the most discerning palates with its decadent taste and elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz package Vegan Raspberry Gelatin (look for vegan-friendly gelatin alternatives)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 1/2 cups salted pretzel sticks, before crushing
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 stick (8 Tbsp) vegan butter
- 1 8 oz package vegan cream cheese, softened
- 1 8 oz container vegan whipped topping, thawed in the refrigerator
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 12 oz bag frozen raspberries, thawed in refrigerator
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Gelatin: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan raspberry gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Crush Pretzels: Place the salted pretzel sticks in a ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor. Aim for a uniform consistency to ensure a cohesive crust.
- Prepare Pretzel Crust: In a saucepan, melt the vegan butter over low heat. Once melted, add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the crushed pretzels, stirring until well combined. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch Pyrex dish, creating an even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then set aside to cool completely.
- Whip Cream Cheese Filling: While the pretzel crust cools, beat the softened vegan cream cheese and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed vegan whipped topping until fully incorporated, creating a luscious cheesecake-like filling.
- Layering: Once the pretzel crust has cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the top, ensuring it reaches the edges to create a seal. This step prevents the gelatin from seeping into the crust, maintaining its crunchy texture.
- Add Raspberries and Gelatin: Arrange the thawed frozen raspberries in a single layer over the cream cheese filling, covering the surface evenly. Carefully pour the cooled vegan raspberry gelatin over the raspberries, ensuring complete coverage.
- Chill and Set: Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the gelatin to set completely. This step ensures a firm and stable dessert that holds its shape when sliced.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, slice the Vegan Raspberry Pretzel Dessert into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve chilled and garnish with additional raspberries or a dollop of vegan whipped topping for an extra touch of elegance.
Useful Tips and Variations:
