Pineapple Pretzel Salad (Pineapple Fluff)
Pineapple pretzel salad is a creamy, sweet, and salty dessert (or sweet side dish) made with crushed pineapple, cream cheese, Cool Whip, and candied pretzels. Often called pineapple fluff, this retro recipe is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings.
Servings: 6 cups
Calories: 280kcal
Equipment
- Colander and coffee filter (for draining pineapple)
- hand mixer
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter melted (equal to 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar this will be divided
- 1 ½ cups crushed pretzels
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 40 oz crushed pineapple well drained
- 8 oz. Cool Whip Whipped Topping thawed
Instructions
- Place crushed pineapple in a coffee filter set inside a colander and let it drain over a bowl. Press another bowl on top to squeeze out excess liquid. This step prevents the filling from becoming watery.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, ½ cup sugar, and crushed pretzels. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes. Let cool completely, then break into clusters.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with the remaining ½ cup sugar until smooth. Stir in drained pineapple, then fold in whipped topping until fluffy.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of pretzel clusters for garnish. Fold the remaining pretzels into the pineapple cream mixture. Spoon into a serving bowl and top with reserved pretzels.
- NOTE: For the crunchiest texture, fold in pretzels just before serving. If making ahead, store pretzels and filling separately until ready to combine.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 280kcal