Strawberry Pretzel Salad, a sweet and salty dessert with a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and a fruity strawberry topping. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any special occasion!
Ingredients
Pretzel Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
Strawberry Layer
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly coated.
- Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Be sure to spread it to the edges to seal the crust and prevent the gelatin from seeping through.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir well, then add cold water. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the sliced strawberries.
4. Assemble the Layers:
- Gently pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or until fully set.
5. Serve:
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Pro Tips
- Prevent Leaks: Ensure the cream cheese layer fully seals the pretzel crust to keep the gelatin layer from seeping through.
- Make Ahead: This dessert is best made a day in advance, as it allows the layers to fully set.
- Crushing Pretzels: Place pretzels in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin for even crumbs.
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of textures and flavors! 🍓🥨
