Orange Banana Pretzel Salad isn't really a salad, it's a dessert. Three layers of deliciousness starting with a sweet pretzel crust, then a cream cheese filling that's topped with a layer of orange gelatin, orange juice and bananas.
Yesterday was Memorial Day and we had a lovely family get together at my brother and sister-in-law's place. I was the designated dessert maker for the day, so I brought this scrumptious Orange Banana Pretzel Salad. The fact that the word "salad" is in the name is a bit humorous but it's actually a twist on the famous strawberry pretzel salad that everyone loves. This one is made with orange juice, orange gelatin and bananas and it is so yummy! It's also gluten free. The family loved it!
What is Orange Banana Pretzel Salad
Orange Banana Pretzel Salad is three layers of deliciousness. First there's a crust of gluten free pretzels, butter and sugar. Next is a luscious layer of cream cheese, sugar and whipped topping. All is topped with a refreshing citrus layer of orange juice, orange gelatin and fresh banana slices.
How to make Orange Banana Pretzel Salad
This dessert is simple to make. The first step is to make the crust. Mix together crushed pretzels, sugar and melted butter.
Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a greased 13" x 9" glass casserole dish. Bake at 350°F. for 10 minutes. Let cool.
Next, beat cream and sugar together until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Then spread on top of cooled crust.
Meanwhile, prepare your orange gelatin, replacing half the water with orange juice. Stir in sliced bananas. Let it chill until it gets soupy. Then spoon onto cream cheese layer. Chill for at least 2 hours.
Orange Banana Pretzel Salad is similar to everyone's favorite strawberry pretzel "salad", but a bit extra tangy and so good. It's a great dessert for your next party or anytime you're in the mood to serve up some fun.
If you make this dessert, be sure to share a photo on Instagram and tag #momlovesbaking!
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Ingredients
For the crust
- 3 ½ cups crushed gluten free pretzels 140g
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided 250g
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted 170g
For the cream cheese layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 227g
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed 227g
For the orange gelatin layer
- 9 ounces orange flavored gelatin 255g
- 1 ½ cups boiling water 375mL
- 1 ½ cups orange juice 375mL
- 4 medium bananas, sliced 400g
- Whipped cream or whipped topping for garnish
Instructions
For the crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine crushed pretzels, ¼ cup of the sugar and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press into the bottom of a greased 13" x 9" glass casserole dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
For the cream cheese layer
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium high until creamy. Add remaining 1 cup of sugar. Beat on medium speed until smooth. With a spatula, fold in the whipped topping. Spread on top of the cooled crust.
For the orange gelatin layer
- Pour the gelatin into a medium bowl. Add the boiling water and stir until dissolved. Stir in the SunnyD. Add the sliced bananas. Refrigerate mixture until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Pour over cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with whipped cream or whipped topping, if desired.
Nutrition
Jennifer says
Was really looking forward to making this until it ended up all over my kitchen. I think 3 1/2 cups of crushed pretzels is too much. I used a 9x13 glass baking pan and followed the directions to the "t" but thing there was too much fluid and too much crushed pretzels. IF I ever try it again I won't use as many pretzels and no sunny d and only 2 packs of jello. After having to clean out my entire fridge and wash down my cabinets and floor my stupidity may not allow me to make the recipe again. Sorry.
Donna obenauer says
Recipe calls for pretzels for the crust but i am going to use graham crackers for my crust but haven't made the recipe yet but i will sometime.
Mom Loves Baking says
Thanks, Bill! That's really sweet and I appreciate your comment so much! :-)))
sara says
Looks so refreshing!! Can't wait to make:)
Ina Cales says
This sounds so yummy, going to try it. I really
like how you do the directions for each step.
Bill says
So cracks me up that whenever someone posts a recipe....someone always has to complain....too much sugar....don't like sunny d...that's not healthy...blah blah blah....I think it sounds delicious the way it is and am gonna make it just as your recipe says....no complaints
MILDRED says
I used orange juice in place of the sunny D
Lise Ode says
You could substitute sugar free gelatin and sugar free whipped topping.
liz says
Wow. Entirely too much sugar!
Need healthier recipe.
LisaMarie says
You could buy an individual bottle of Sunny D. You don't need to buy a multipack or big bottle.
grace says
I do not want to buy sunny d I wold not be able to use it after what can I do to replace ot
Dorothy Floyd says
wow look great recipe and like to get the different recipes to share Thanks Dorothy
JanetGoingCrazy says
This looks so delicious! I need this in my life. #client