Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that combines a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy middle layer, and a bright, fruity strawberry topping. This no-bake salad is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a sweet treat with a bit of texture and tang.

Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed pretzels (not too fine)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 (6-ounce) package strawberry instant gelatin mix
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 (16-ounce) container fresh strawberries

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 15 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and mix well. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Once the crust is fully cooled, spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over it, making sure to reach all edges. Chill in the refrigerator.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk the strawberry gelatin mix into the boiling water until completely dissolved. Add the fresh strawberries. Chill the mixture until it thickens to the consistency of egg whites. Pour the thickened gelatin over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate until fully set. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
• Swap the strawberry gelatin for raspberry or cherry for a different fruit twist.
• Press the pretzel crust firmly to avoid crumbling when slicing the salad.
• If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the crust or the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer.

Storage

Store the strawberry pretzel salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the gelatin and cream cheese layers may separate. When ready to serve again, slicing while chilled helps maintain clean pieces. The salad is best enjoyed cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be assembled a day in advance. Just keep it covered and chilled until serving to allow the flavors to meld and the gelatin to set properly.

Can I use fresh strawberry gelatin instead of instant?

Instant gelatin is recommended because it sets quickly and gives the right texture. Using fresh strawberry gelatin or homemade gelatin requires additional preparation and may affect the final texture.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 574 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

A delightful Strawberry Pretzel Salad featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a fresh strawberry gelatin topping. This no-bake dessert balances salty and sweet flavors with a refreshing fruity finish, perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 cups crushed pretzels (not too fine)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
• 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Strawberry Gelatin Topping

• 1 (6-ounce) package strawberry instant gelatin mix
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 (16-ounce) container fresh strawberries, sliced

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely before adding the next layer.
3. Prepare cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a mixer. Add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until well incorporated. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined, creating a light and creamy mixture.
4. Assemble cream cheese layer: Once the crust has cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the pretzel crust, ensuring it reaches all edges. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill and set.
5. Prepare strawberry gelatin topping: In a large bowl, whisk the strawberry instant gelatin mix with 2 cups of boiling water until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add the sliced fresh strawberries to the gelatin mixture.
6. Set the topping: Chill the strawberry gelatin mixture in the refrigerator until it thickens to the consistency of egg whites (slightly thick but still pourable). Pour this thickened gelatin evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer.
7. Final chilling and serve: Refrigerate the entire salad until the gelatin topping is fully set, about 4 hours or overnight. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

• For best results, use freshly sliced strawberries, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
• Press the pretzel crust firmly to ensure it holds together well after baking.
• Be sure the crust is completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting or sliding.
• Chilling the gelatin mixture until thickened before pouring prevents it from sinking to the bottom.
• This dessert is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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