Peach Pretzel Salad Dessert (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 2 1/2 cups pretzels, crushed
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cream Cheese Layer

04 - 12 ounces cream cheese
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 12 ounces whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

→ Peach Jello Layer

08 - 6 ounces peach flavored gelatin
09 - 2 cups boiling water
10 - 2 cups ice water
11 - 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Blend thoroughly. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Place pan in oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and allow crust to cool completely before proceeding.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in whipped topping until fully incorporated.
05 - Evenly spread cream cheese mixture over cooled pretzel crust, ensuring to seal edges completely to prevent seepage.
06 - In a medium bowl, dissolve peach gelatin in 2 cups boiling water, stirring thoroughly. Once dissolved, add 2 cups ice water and mix until combined.
07 - Stir diced peaches into gelatin mixture. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, or until gelatin begins to thicken yet remains pourable.
08 - Gently pour the peach gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
09 - Slice into squares and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with additional whipped topping.

# Notes:

01 - For a finer crust texture, use a food processor to crush the pretzels evenly.
02 - Be meticulous when spreading the cream cheese layer to completely seal the crust and prevent sogginess.
03 - Incorporate diced peaches into the gelatin while still hot to minimize fruit discoloration.
04 - The gelatin-peach mixture is ready to pour when the fruit suspends evenly without sinking.
05 - For extra indulgence, top each serving with an additional dollop of whipped topping.

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