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:
- Make-Ahead Option: This dessert can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve, making it a convenient option for entertaining.
- Gelatin Alternatives: If you’re unable to find vegan raspberry gelatin, you can use agar agar or other plant-based gelatin substitutes to achieve a similar texture and consistency.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different fruit flavors, such as strawberries or peaches, or add chopped nuts or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 20 g
- Vitamin C: 10 mg (approximately 17% of the Daily Value)
- Calcium: 50 mg (approximately 5% of the Daily Value)
- Iron: 1 mg (approximately 6% of the Daily Value)
Conclusion:
Elevate your dessert game with our Vegan Raspberry Pretzel Dessert, a luxurious combination of sweet and salty flavors that will leave you craving more. With its easy-to-follow instructions, versatile ingredients, and impressive presentation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a decadent treat or served at special occasions, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that delights vegans and non-vegans alike. Treat yourself to a slice of dessert heaven and savor the blissful indulgence of this plant-based masterpiece!
Vegan Raspberry Pretzel Dessert
Preparation Time: 50 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 6 oz package Vegan Raspberry Gelatin (check 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 to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Vegan Raspberry Gelatin: In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan raspberry gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Crush Pretzels: Place the pretzel sticks in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin until finely crushed.
- Prepare Pretzel Crust: In a saucepan, melt the vegan butter. 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. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F, then cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: While the pretzel crust is cooling, beat the vegan cream cheese and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar on medium/low speed until well-combined. Fold in the thawed vegan whipped topping using a spatula until fully combined.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring complete coverage to create a seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Add Raspberries and Gelatin: Place the thawed raspberries evenly on top of the cream filling. Pour the prepared vegan raspberry gelatin over the raspberries. Ensure the gelatin covers the raspberries evenly.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the dessert until the gelatin is set, typically for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Once set, slice the dessert into squares or rectangles and serve chilled. Enjoy your vegan Raspberry Pretzel Dessert!
This vegan version of the classic Raspberry Pretzel Dessert retains all the delicious flavors and textures of the original recipe while using plant-based ingredients. It’s a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy, whether they follow a vegan lifestyle or not.