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Creamy orange pretzel parfait with a salted brown butter crust and vibrant mandarin orange gelatin layers.

Orange Pretzel Parfait

Rebecca Blumer
A refreshing twist on a classic potluck favorite, this orange pretzel parfait features a nutty browned-butter crust, velvety cream cheese filling, and a bright, glossy citrus glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Setting Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 Pyrex baking dish
  • Small saucepan
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

Ingredients
 

Pretzel Crust

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Orange Jello Topping

  • 6 oz box orange gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 1/2 cups ice water
  • 20 oz mandarin oranges (2 cans)

Instructions
 

Brown the butter and bake the Pretzel crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and set a 9x13 pan aside.
  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, cooking until it becomes golden brown with deep amber specks and a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
  • In the 9x13 pan, stir together the crushed pretzels and sugar, then pour the browned butter over the mixture. Press firmly into an even layer and bake for 15 minutes. Let the crust cool completely.

Whip the Cream cheese filling until fluffy

  • Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it is smooth, glossy, and free of lumps.
  • Add the sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is silky and light in color.
  • Slowly drizzle in the heavy whipping cream while continuing to beat until the filling is airy and holds soft, cloud-like peaks.

Seal, layer, and set the orange topping

  • Spread the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust, ensuring you push the mixture all the way to the edges of the pan to create a waterproof seal.
  • Arrange the well-drained mandarin oranges over the cream layer and place the dish in the refrigerator.
  • Dissolve the orange gelatin in boiling water. Stir in the ice water and let the mixture sit until it reaches room temperature and feels neutral to the touch.
  • Slowly pour the cooled gelatin over the oranges. Refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours, or overnight, until completely set.

Notes

Storage Tip: For the best crunch, consume the parfait within 24 hours. After 48 hours, the pretzels will begin to absorb moisture and lose their snap.
Chef's Secret: Spreading the cream cheese layer edge-to-edge is vital. This fat-rich layer acts as a barrier that prevents the liquid gelatin from seeping into the pretzel base.
Temperature Control: Ensure the gelatin is cooled to room temperature before pouring. If it is still warm, it will melt the cream cheese filling and create a marbled, streaky appearance.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1mg
Keyword creamsicle dessert, layered salad, orange pretzel parfait
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