Mandarin Orange Pretzel Bars

I desperately wanted to call this recipe “Mandarin Orange Pretzel Salad.” I grew up in a time where gelatin salads were a real thing. And they were brought to all family gatherings (actually they still are in my family).
However, I knew some of you would rebel. I thought about calling it “Mandarin Orange Pretzel Dessert” too. But, since my family eats this as a side dish I didn’t want y’all to think it’s ONLY for dessert. You can eat this SALAD anytime you want!

Of course, it would be a fantastic dessert too.

This time of year I’m always looking for easy, no bake recipes to bring to potlucks and bbq’s. And whether you would serve this WITH the meal or as a DESSERT, I think you’ll love the sweet and salty combo in these easy bars!

Mandarin Orange Pretzel Bars
This looks delicious! One question, do you drain the oranges?

1 hr, 30 Prep Time
7 minCook Time
1 hr, 37 Total Time

Ingredients

•     2 cups pretzels sticks (broken into fourths)
•     1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
•     3 Tablespoons sugar
•     1/2 cup butter (melted)
•     1 (8 ounce) package Cool-Whip (non-dairy whipped topping)
•     1 cup sugar
•     4 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges (drained)
•     2 cups boiling water
•     1 (6 ounce) box orange Jell-o

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. For the first layer, combine broken pretzels, melted butter and sugar. Stir together until well blended. Press in  9 x 13 inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 7 minutes.  Cool completely.
3. For the second layer, beat sugar and cream cheese together until smooth.  Fold in Cool Whip.
4. Spread cream mixture over pretzel layer (be sure to seal the cream cheese layer against the sides of the pan so that the jello mixture will not be able to leak through when added).
5. For the Jell-o layer, mix orange Jell-o and boiling water together until Jello is completely dissolved.  Add mandarin oranges and let cool until slightly set.
6. Pour Jell-o over cream cheese layer and refrigerate until firm.
7. Cut into squares and serve.

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