Description
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert combining a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese middle, and a refreshing strawberry gelatin topping. This sweet and tangy treat is perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a wonderful balance of textures and flavors.
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 Layer
- 6 oz strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 16 oz frozen sliced strawberries (or fresh, hulled and sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Form Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer to serve as the crust for the dessert.
- Bake Crust: Bake the pressed crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool completely to set.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the sweetened cream cheese mixture until well combined and creamy.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges well to prevent the gelatin from leaking through.
- Chill Cream Cheese Layer: Refrigerate the dish at this stage while you prepare the strawberry gelatin topping, allowing the layer to firm up.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water by stirring thoroughly. Add the sliced frozen or fresh strawberries and stir until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
- Assemble Dessert: Pour the thickened strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the completed dessert in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin topping is fully set.
- Serve: Once set, slice the Strawberry Pretzel Salad into squares and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the pretzel crust is pressed firmly to prevent it from crumbling.
- Sealing the edges of the cream cheese layer is critical to avoid leakage of the strawberry gelatin.
- This dessert can be prepared one day ahead and kept refrigerated for convenience.
- Fresh strawberries can be used as a substitute for frozen; just hull and slice them before adding to gelatin.
- For extra crunch, finely chop some pretzels to sprinkle on top before serving.
