Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delicious, sweet-and-salty dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake-like filling, and a vibrant strawberry Jell-O topping with fresh strawberries. It’s the perfect no-bake dessert for potlucks, holidays, or summer gatherings.

This retro dessert combines textures and flavors that make every bite irresistible!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Saucepan (for Jell-O)

Ingredients Overview

• Pretzel crust: A crunchy, slightly salty base that pairs perfectly with the creamy and fruity layers.
• Cream cheese filling: A sweet, tangy, and smooth middle layer.
• Strawberry Jell-O topping: A fruity and refreshing layer filled with fresh strawberries.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Crust

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip)

For the Strawberry Jell-O Topping

• 1 (6 oz) package strawberry Jell-O
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Directions

1. Make the Pretzel Crust
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
   • Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
   • Spread evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring it reaches the edges to prevent the Jell-O from seeping through.
   • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
3. Make the Strawberry Jell-O Topping
   • In a bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
   • Let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes, then stir in the sliced strawberries.
4. Assemble and Chill
   • Gently pour the cooled Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer.
   • Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until fully set.
5. Serve
   • Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this refreshing dessert with extra whipped cream if desired!

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Chill Time

4 hours

Total Time

4 hours 25 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~12 servings)

• Calories: ~300
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~3g

Expert Tips

• Prevent a Soggy Crust: Ensure the cream cheese layer fully covers the crust to keep the Jell-O from seeping in.
• Chill the Jell-O Slightly: Let the Jell-O cool before pouring to prevent it from melting the cream cheese layer.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Avoid frozen strawberries, as they can add excess liquid to the Jell-O.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit?
Yes! Try raspberries with raspberry Jell-O or peaches with peach Jell-O for a fun variation.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s best when chilled overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Use 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, whipped with 2 tablespoons of sugar, as a substitute.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as Jell-O doesn’t freeze well and may become watery when thawed.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free version.
• Lower-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free Jell-O and a sugar substitute for the filling.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the pretzel crust for extra texture.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delicious, sweet-and-salty dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake-like filling, and a vibrant strawberry Jell-O topping with fresh strawberries.

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Equipment

• - 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• - Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• - Saucepan (for Jell-O)

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Pretzel Crust
• - 2 cups crushed pretzels
• - 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• #### For the Cream Cheese Filling
• - 8 oz cream cheese softened
• - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 8 oz whipped topping Cool Whip
• #### For the Strawberry Jell-O Topping
• - 1 6 oz package strawberry Jell-O
• - 2 cups boiling water
• - 1 lb fresh strawberries hulled and sliced

Instructions

 

• **Make the Pretzel Crust**
• - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• - In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
• - Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• - Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely.
• **Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer**
• - In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• - Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
• - Spread evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring it reaches the edges to prevent the Jell-O from seeping through.
• - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
• **Make the Strawberry Jell-O Topping**
• - In a bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
• - Let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes, then stir in the sliced strawberries.
• **Assemble and Chill**
• - Gently pour the cooled Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer.
• - Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until fully set.
• **Serve**
• - Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this refreshing dessert with extra whipped cream if desired!