Summer is officially here, and so is your new favorite dessert. This Peach Pretzel Salad is a creamy, crunchy, sweet-and-salty masterpiece that practically screams picnic season. Whether you’re headed to a family barbecue, hosting a brunch, or just craving something cool and refreshing on a hot afternoon, this layered beauty is exactly what you need.

With a buttery pretzel crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a fruity peach pudding topping, it’s got everything you want in a summer dessert — flavor, texture, and pure joy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

There’s so much to love about this recipe, but let’s start with the basics:

• It’s easy. If you can crush pretzels and stir pudding, you’re halfway there.

• It’s no-bake friendly (except for a quick crust bake) and perfect when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.

• It’s a showstopper. Those beautiful layers look stunning in a glass dish, and yes — people will ask for the recipe.

• It’s make-ahead approved, which means less stress on the day of your event.

• And finally, the combo of buttery pretzels, creamy filling, and juicy peaches? Pure magic.

Suitable For

This dessert checks the box for just about every occasion. It’s:

• Great for beginners, with easy-to-follow steps

• Perfect for summer holidays, potlucks, and picnics

• A kid-friendly favorite, thanks to the pudding and whipped cream

• Ideal for anyone who loves a good sweet-and-salty combo

You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull this off — just a mixing bowl, a few ingredients, and a love for dessert.

Ingredients for Summer Is Calling with Peach Pretzel Salad

Let’s break it down. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this summery dessert to life.

Core Ingredients

• Crushed pretzels – The base of your crust, providing that signature salty crunch.

• Unsalted butter – Melted and mixed with pretzels to hold the crust together.

• Granulated sugar – Just a little, for sweetness in the crust.

• Cream cheese – Softened and creamy, forming the heart of the middle layer.

• Powdered sugar – Blends smoothly into the cream cheese for a sweet, silky texture.

• Whipped heavy cream – Lightens the cream cheese layer and finishes off the top.

• Canned peach slices – Soft, sweet, and soaked in sunshine.

• Vanilla instant pudding mix – Adds creamy structure to the peach layer.

• Milk + reserved peach juice – Combines with pudding to bind everything together.

These simple ingredients come together to create a layered dessert that’s more than the sum of its parts.

Substitutions and Tips

Need to adjust the recipe for what’s in your pantry? No problem.

• Fresh peaches can be used in place of canned, especially if they’re ripe and juicy. Just be sure to peel and slice them.

• Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative to cream cheese, though it will change the flavor slightly.

• Cool Whip can substitute whipped cream in a pinch, especially for stability in hot weather.

• Other fruits like strawberries, nectarines, or even mango can be folded into the pudding layer for a twist.

You’ve got options here — don’t be afraid to get creative.

Best Peaches for Peach Pretzel Salad

While the recipe calls for canned peach slices, you can absolutely use fresh if they’re in season. The key is to choose ripe, fragrant peaches that are soft enough to bite but not mushy.

If you’re using canned peaches, drain them well — but save that juice, because it blends beautifully with the pudding mix for that summery flavor.

Not peach season where you are? Frozen peach slices (thawed and drained) can work too. You can even try a blend of stone fruits if you want to mix things up. The goal is flavor and texture — and peaches, especially when paired with vanilla and cream, always deliver.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This dessert is refreshingly simple when it comes to equipment. Here’s your checklist.

Must-Have Tools

• 9×13-inch pan – The perfect size for layering and serving a crowd

• Mixing bowls – You’ll need a couple for mixing crust, filling, and pudding

• Hand mixer or stand mixer – Helpful for whipping cream and blending cream cheese

• Rubber spatula – For spreading layers evenly

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Food processor – Speeds up the pretzel crushing (a rolling pin works too)

• Offset spatula – Makes smoothing the layers a breeze

• Cooling rack – Useful for cooling the crust quickly after baking

No fancy gadgets required — just the basics and a little kitchen confidence.

How to Make Summer Is Calling with Peach Pretzel Salad

Ready to bring this no-fuss summer dessert to life? Let’s walk through it step by step. You don’t need any special skills or equipment — just a little time and a love for sweet, creamy, crunchy goodness. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Make the Pretzel Crust

Start with the base — the salty, buttery crust that holds everything together. If you’ve never made a pretzel crust before, don’t worry. It’s super simple.

1. Crush the pretzels until they’re fine but still have a little texture. You can pulse them in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

2. Melt the butter and stir it together with the pretzels and granulated sugar.

3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a flat measuring cup to pack it down evenly.

4. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the crust is golden and set. Let it cool completely before adding any layers — this is key to preventing sogginess.

Tip: If your crust crumbles a bit when you cut into it later, don’t stress. That crunchy texture is part of the charm.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

Next comes the creamy, tangy middle layer. This is what gives the dessert its luscious bite and balances out the sweetness of the peaches.

1. Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. You want this mixture to be lump-free and velvety.

2. Fold in one cup of whipped cream (from the heavy cream you’ve already whipped). This lightens the texture and makes it extra dreamy.

3. Spread the mixture carefully over the cooled pretzel crust. Be gentle — you don’t want to pull up the crust underneath.

Tip: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get an even layer all the way to the edges.

Step 3: Make the Peach Pudding Layer

Here’s where the fruity flavor takes center stage. The peaches and pudding come together to form a silky, sun-kissed topping.

1. In a bowl, combine the reserved peach juice with enough milk to make one full cup of liquid.

2. Whisk in the vanilla instant pudding mix until thickened — about 2 minutes.

3. Fold in the drained peach slices, being gentle so they stay in nice pieces.

Tip: If the mixture feels too thick, you can add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, give it a few more minutes to set.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Now for the fun part — bringing it all together.

1. Spoon the peach and pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.

2. Top everything off with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing it gently across the top.

Tip: If you want to make it extra pretty, add fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint just before serving.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

This dessert needs some time in the fridge to set properly and let the layers come together.

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you’re planning ahead.

• When you’re ready to serve, slice into squares and enjoy the creamy, fruity, crunchy magic.

Tips for Success

This dessert is forgiving, but a few extra tips can help it turn out perfect every time.

• Cool the crust completely before layering anything on top. Even a little warmth can melt the cream cheese layer and make things messy.

• Use stabilized whipped cream (with a bit of powdered sugar or gelatin) if serving on a hot day or making in advance.

• Drain canned peaches well to avoid a watery pudding layer.

• Use fresh peaches in peak season for the best flavor, but don’t shy away from canned — they’re consistent and convenient.

And remember, this isn’t a fussy dessert. Even if the layers aren’t perfect, it’ll still taste amazing.

How to Store Summer Is Calling with Peach Pretzel Salad

This dessert holds up well in the fridge and is ideal for making ahead.

At Room Temperature

Because of the dairy in the cream cheese and whipped cream, this salad shouldn’t be left out too long. It’s best served cold.

In the Refrigerator

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften a bit over time but still tastes great. Use plastic wrap or an airtight lid to keep it fresh.

Freezing Tips

This isn’t a great candidate for freezing — the whipped cream and pudding don’t hold up well once thawed. However, you can freeze just the pretzel crust if you want to prep ahead and build the layers later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Absolutely. If peaches are in season, go for it. Just peel and slice them first, and make sure they’re soft and ripe. You may need to add a little extra milk to the pudding if you don’t have juice from a can.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes — and you should. It actually gets better after a night in the fridge. The flavors meld together, and the layers stay distinct. Just be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh.

What if I don’t have instant pudding?

You can use homemade vanilla pudding, but make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape. Let it cool completely before folding in the peaches.

Why is my pretzel crust soggy?

Usually, this happens if the crust wasn’t fully cooled before layering, or if the peaches weren’t drained well. Next time, give the crust plenty of cooling time and blot the peaches with a paper towel before mixing.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Peach Pretzel Salad, you might enjoy these other refreshing summer treats:

• Peach Dump Cake – A simple, gooey peach dessert with minimal ingredients.

• Ever Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe – Classic cobbler with juicy peaches and golden topping.

• The Best Peach Rhubarb Pie Recipe – A sweet and tangy twist perfect for fruit lovers.

• Peach Pie Cinnamon Rolls – A breakfast-inspired dessert mashup loaded with peach flavor.

Conclusion

This Peach Pretzel Salad is everything a summer dessert should be — simple, sweet, refreshing, and a little bit nostalgic. It’s the kind of dish that makes people say, “Wow, what is this?” and then go back for seconds.

Whether you’re new to making layered desserts or you’ve been baking for years, this one is a joy to make and even more fun to share. So go ahead — save this recipe, gather your ingredients, and make your summer a little sweeter.

Let me know how it turns out for you, and don’t forget to pass the recipe along. It’s too good to keep to yourself.

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