Sweet, salty, creamy, and irresistibly peachy—this Peach Pretzel Salad is everything summer should taste like. Right after the first bite, you’re transported to sunny picnics, family reunions, and potlucks under the stars. And here’s the best part? It’s a no-bake recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss!
Before we dive in, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for stopping by! I’m always so grateful to share my kitchen with you. If you’d like to get more nostalgic, flavor-packed recipes like this one sent straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe below!
What Is Peach Pretzel Salad?
Let’s clear one thing up: this “salad” is absolutely not what you serve with ranch dressing. This is a dessert salad, a beloved retro treat made famous in the Midwest (often with strawberries!), and I’m thrilled to give it a sunny, peachy twist today.
It’s made up of three simple layers:
- A crunchy buttery pretzel crust
- A luscious, creamy sweet cream cheese filling
- A shimmering, fruity peach Jell-O topping loaded with fresh peaches
Together? A flavor and texture combo that’s anything but boring!!
Why You’ll Love This Peach Pretzel Salad
This recipe has serious crowd-pleasing power, and here’s why:
- No baking stress – Just one short oven visit for the crust!
- Great for gatherings – It slices beautifully and serves a crowd.
- Versatile – Use canned or frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t in season.
- Texture heaven – Crunchy, creamy, and juicy in every single bite.
What Does Peach Pretzel Salad Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a forkful of buttery pretzels kissed with just the right amount of salt, followed by a creamy, tangy layer of whipped cream cheese, and then finished with cool, sweet peach Jell-O packed with real fruit. It’s:
- Sweet and salty
- Cool and refreshing
- Creamy with a hint of crunch
- Brightly fruity and nostalgic
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- Quick prep and only one brief bake for the crust
- Perfect make-ahead dessert—even better when chilled overnight
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Customizable with seasonal fruits or flavored gelatin
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 2½ cups crushed pretzels
- ¾ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
For the Peach Gelatin Topping:
- 6 oz peach Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups ice water
- 4 cups fresh peaches, diced
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Saucepan or kettle for boiling water
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
Make it your own!
- Peaches – Fresh is best, but canned (drained well) or frozen (thawed and drained) work beautifully.
- Jell-O – Can’t find peach? Try orange or strawberry for a twist!
- Cool Whip – Swap for homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Pretzels – Try crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a different base (though the salty crunch is what makes this classic!).
How to Make Peach Pretzel Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely.
💡 Tip: Press the crust down with the bottom of a measuring cup for an even surface!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat softened cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until no streaks remain.
- Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Be sure to seal the edges completely!
Sealing the edges is key—it prevents the Jell-O from sneaking into the crust layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Peach Gelatin
- Dissolve peach Jell-O in boiling water.
- Add the ice water and stir until slightly thickened (about 5–10 minutes).
- Stir in the diced peaches.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
- Pour the peach mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or until fully set.
What to Serve with Peach Pretzel Salad
This dessert shines on its own, but here are some lovely companions:
- Iced tea or peach lemonade
- Vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch
- Mint sprigs or extra peach slices for garnish
Tips for Success
- Use real whipped topping for the fluffiest texture.
- Let each layer cool completely before moving to the next.
- Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut with a sharp knife, wiping clean between slices for neat squares.
How to Store Peach Pretzel Salad
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended—the Jell-O texture doesn’t hold up well once thawed.
Peach Pretzel Salad FAQs
Can I use canned peaches?
Yes! Just drain them very well to avoid excess liquid.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s best made the day before and chilled overnight.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
You can, but make sure it’s stabilized (add a bit of cream cheese or powdered sugar) so it holds its shape.
Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pretzels. Everything else in the recipe is gluten-free friendly!
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
There’s something truly magical about a recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, no-bake, sweet-and-salty, and packed with real fruit flavor. This Peach Pretzel Salad is pure sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or just need a nostalgic summer treat, it’s sure to become a beloved staple.
If you’re as smitten with peaches as I am, be sure to check out these fruity favorites:
- Easy Peach Cobbler with Biscuit Topping
- Peach Crisp with Brown Sugar Oat Crumble
- Grilled Peaches with Honey & Vanilla Ice Cream
Share Your Peachy Creations!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your take on it! Leave a review, share a photo on Pinterest, or tag me on social media. You’re the best part of this recipe-sharing journey!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving – makes 12 servings)
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
Peach Pretzel Salad Recipe – A No-Bake Summer Favorite!
Description
This Peach Pretzel Salad is a sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy no-bake dessert that’s pure summer nostalgia in every bite! Made with a buttery pretzel crust, fluffy cream cheese layer, and fresh peaches suspended in peach gelatin, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for BBQs, potlucks, and picnics. Easy to prep ahead and bursting with texture and flavor!
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust:
2½ cups crushed pretzels
¾ cup melted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
12 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
12 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
For the Peach Gelatin Topping:
6 oz peach Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
2 cups ice water
4 cups fresh peaches, diced
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and ¾ cup sugar. Stir until evenly coated.
Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
In a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese, remaining ¾ cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold in the Cool Whip until light and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, sealing all the edges to prevent leaks. Refrigerate while you prep the topping.
Dissolve peach Jell-O in 2 cups boiling water. Stir in 2 cups ice water and mix well. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in diced peaches.
Carefully pour the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate for 4–6 hours, or until fully set.
Slice, serve chilled, and enjoy every bite of that sweet-salty-creamy magic!
Notes
Seal those edges! Make sure the cream cheese layer goes all the way to the pan edges so the Jell-O doesn’t seep through.
Fresh, canned, or frozen peaches all work here! Just be sure to drain them well if using canned or frozen.
Want to swap the flavor? Strawberry or orange Jell-O also pair beautifully with peaches.
Chill overnight for even better flavor and easier slicing.
Not a Cool Whip fan? You can use homemade whipped cream—just stabilize it with a bit of cream cheese or powdered sugar.
