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Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 56 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy salted pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a vibrant strawberry gelatin topping studded with fresh or frozen strawberries. This no-bake chilled salad offers a perfect balance of salty, creamy, and fruity flavors, making it an ideal treat for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 3/4 cup melted butter
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

Strawberry Gelatin Topping

  • 6 oz strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 16 oz frozen sliced strawberries (or fresh, hulled and sliced)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
  2. Make Pretzel Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  3. Form the Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even, solid crust layer.
  4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from oven and set aside to cool completely. Cooling prevents melting the cream cheese layer.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  6. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, maintaining a light and airy texture.
  7. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, taking care to seal the edges to avoid the gelatin seeping through later.
  8. Refrigerate Cream Layer: Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the strawberry gelatin topping.
  9. Make Strawberry Gelatin: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring thoroughly until completely dissolved. Then add the frozen or fresh sliced strawberries. Stir gently until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
  10. Top the Salad: Pour the thickened strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  11. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin topping is fully set and firm.
  12. Serve: Once set, slice the strawberry pretzel salad into 12 servings and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure the pretzel crust cools completely before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting and mixing of layers.
  • Use fresh strawberries if available for a better texture and flavor, but frozen works well too.
  • Sealing the edges with the cream cheese layer helps keep the gelatin from leaking through the crust.
  • This dessert should be stored in the refrigerator and is best served within 2 days.
  • For a lower sugar version, consider using sugar substitutes suitable for gelatin desserts.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://mamabrisrecipes.com/strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe/