Description

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delicious layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweet cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry gelatin topping studded with fresh strawberries. This treat offers a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and fruity flavors with a delightful mix of textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

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

Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed

Topping

2 cups boiling water
6 ounces strawberry gelatin
16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions

Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
Bake Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the crust is set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and smooth.
Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, creating a smooth layer.
Make the Topping: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the strawberry gelatin powder until it has completely dissolved. Allow the gelatin mixture to cool to room temperature.
Add Fresh Strawberries: Mix the sliced fresh strawberries into the cooled gelatin mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Assemble and Chill: Gently pour the strawberry and gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 2 hours or until the topping is fully set.

Notes

Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese filling to prevent melting.
For best texture, use freshly thawed whipped topping rather than overheating.
You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen if out of season, but thaw and drain them first.
Allow enough chilling time to let the gelatin set firmly for clean slicing.
Use a non-stick spray or parchment paper to help with serving if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Pretzel Salad, layered dessert, pretzel crust, strawberry gelatin, cream cheese filling, no-bake dessert