Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat, look no further than this Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert. With its crunchy salty pretzel crust, luscious cream cheese layer, and sweet strawberry topping, this classic Southern recipe is a must-have for potlucks, BBQs, and family celebrations. It's a perfect blend of flavors and textures that everyone will rave about. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert
- Sweet and salty flavors combine for the perfect bite every time.
- Easy make-ahead dessert ideal for busy hosts and potlucks.
- Creamy, crunchy, and fruity layers ensure every forkful is irresistible.
- Customizable with your favorite fruits or flavored gelatin.
- Kid-friendly and always a hit at parties!
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups crushed pretzels, ¾ cup melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Mix until pretzels are well coated.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In another bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Fold in 8 oz thawed whipped topping until well combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring you go all the way to the edges to seal the crust. This prevents the gelatin from seeping through, keeping the crust crisp.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
- In a medium bowl, dissolve 2 packages of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Stir for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved (learn more about gelatin here).
- Stir in 2 cups sliced strawberries.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes).
- Carefully pour the gelatin-strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Notes for the Best Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert
- Be sure to let the crust and cream cheese layers cool completely before adding the gelatin layer to prevent melting and mixing.
- Use fresh strawberries for the brightest flavor, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh aren't available (see tips for freezing strawberries).
- For a lower-sugar version, try using sugar-free gelatin and whipped topping.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert Variations
- Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad: Substitute fresh raspberries and blueberries for half the strawberries and use mixed berry gelatin.
- Pineapple Pretzel Salad: Replace strawberries with crushed pineapple (drained) and use pineapple gelatin.
- Lemon-Lime Pretzel Salad: Try lemon or lime gelatin with fresh citrus segments for a tangy twist.
Required Equipment for Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Oven
Storage Instructions and Shelf Life
Cover the Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften over time, so for best texture, enjoy within 24-48 hours. Freezing is not recommended as the gelatin and cream cheese layers may separate.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert
- Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, for best texture.
- Pair with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a crisp white wine for adults.
- Garnish with extra fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert
- Seal the cream cheese layer completely to prevent the gelatin from leaking to the crust.
- Allow the gelatin to cool before pouring to avoid melting the cream cheese layer (see more tips here).
- Crush pretzels by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling with a rolling pin for even texture.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert FAQ
- Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes! Just be sure it's whipped to stiff peaks and gently folded into the cream cheese layer. - What if I don't have fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) work well, or try other fruits like peaches or raspberries. - Can I make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert is even better when chilled overnight—just keep it tightly covered in the fridge.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including chilling)
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 16 oz frozen sliced strawberries, thawed
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2Bake the pretzel crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
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3In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping until well combined. Spread evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges.
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4In another bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir in thawed strawberries. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
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5Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
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6Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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