Strawberry Pretzel Bars

An old-fashioned party staple.

Directions:                   

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray an 8x8-inch pan with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the pretzels, butter, coconut oil and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
3. In a medium bowl, beat the Neufachâtel and ¼ cup sugar. Fold in the whipped topping. Spread this layer on the pretzel layer. Refrigerate while preparing the gel layer.
4. Add enough water to the mandarin orange juice to make 1¼ cups of liquid. Pour in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add gelatin, whisk thoroughly. Mix in cranberry sauce, whisking until thoroughly incorporated. Pour into a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
5. Add the mandarin oranges to the chilled gelatin mixture, spread on cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes or more, until the gelatin has set completely. Cut into squares.

Recipe Courtesy of Chef Stacey, ALDI Test Kitchen