Why make this recipe
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The salty pretzels, sweet strawberries, and creamy layers come together to create a treat that is both refreshing and indulgent. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a sweet finish to your meal. Plus, it’s easy to make, which makes it a favorite for many!
How to make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:
- 6 oz strawberry Jell-O mix
- 2 cups boiling water
- 16 oz strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled & sliced)
- 2 1/2 cups salted pretzels (measured before crushing)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip* (thawed in refrigerator)
Directions:
For Jell-O Layer: In a mixing bowl, dissolve the Jell-O mix in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add sliced strawberries to the bowl and set aside to cool.
For Pretzel Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the salted pretzels in a bag or with a rolling pin. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted unsalted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well and press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool.
For Cream Cheese/Whipped Cream Layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is well combined. Spread this creamy layer over the cooled pretzel crust.
Put it all together: Pour the cooled strawberry Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set before serving.
How to serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad chilled. Cut it into square pieces and place on individual plates. You can garnish with a few fresh strawberries on top for a nice presentation.
How to store Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Tips to make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smoother texture.
- If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing in a splash of vanilla extract into the cream cheese layer.
- You can use other types of fruit, like raspberries or blueberries, for a different twist.
Variation
Try different flavors of Jell-O along with seasonal fruits to create your unique version of this dessert, like using peach or orange Jell-O with peaches or mandarin oranges.
FAQs
1. Can I use sugar-free Jell-O?
Yes, sugar-free Jell-O can be used as a lighter alternative.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.
3. What can I replace Cool Whip with?
You can make your own whipped cream with heavy whipping cream and sugar if you prefer a homemade touch.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients
For the Jell-O layer
- 6 oz strawberry Jell-O mix
- 2 cups boiling water
- 16 oz strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled & sliced)
For the pretzel layer
- 2.5 cups salted pretzels (measured before crushing)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
For the cream cheese layer
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip thawed in refrigerator
Instructions
For Jell-O Layer
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve the Jell-O mix in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add sliced strawberries to the bowl and set aside to cool.
For Pretzel Layer
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush the salted pretzels in a bag or with a rolling pin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted unsalted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well and press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool.
For Cream Cheese/Whipped Cream Layer
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth.
- Fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is well combined.
- Spread this creamy layer over the cooled pretzel crust.
Put it all together
- Pour the cooled strawberry Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set before serving.