Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is the ultimate sweet and salty dessert that will wow your guests and family. With a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry Jell-O topping, this layered dessert is the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a potluck, or a summer barbecue, this easy dessert recipe is a must-try. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors is sure to satisfy your cravings!

This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful, layered dessert with a unique combination of salty, sweet, and creamy flavors. The crunchy pretzel crust pairs perfectly with the smooth cream cheese filling and the vibrant, fruity strawberry Jell-O topping. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making it a crowd-pleaser for parties, holidays, or any special occasion. With its layers of creamy goodness, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz strawberry Jell-O
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 1/2 cups salted pretzels, measured before crushing
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed in the fridge
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the strawberry Jell-O with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved and set aside to cool to room temperature.
3. Crush the pretzels by placing them in a sturdy Ziploc bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter, then add 1/4 cup sugar and stir until well combined. Mix in the crushed pretzels.
5. Transfer the pretzel mixture into a 13×9 glass casserole dish, pressing it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F. Let it cool to room temperature.
6. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth.
7. Fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring it reaches the edges of the dish to form a tight seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
8. Hull and slice the strawberries, then stir them into the room temperature Jell-O.
9. Pour the Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours or until the Jell-O is fully set.

Tips:

• For a crispier pretzel crust, be sure to bake the pretzels for the full 10 minutes.
• Let the cream cheese and sugar mixture become fully fluffy before adding the Cool Whip to achieve a smooth filling.
• If you’re short on time, use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Jell-O Flavor: Switch out the strawberry Jell-O for other fruity flavors like raspberry or peach.
• Toppings: Add fresh whipped cream or extra fresh fruit on top for an added touch of elegance.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free pretzels if you need a gluten-free dessert option.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the layers the night before, just make sure to refrigerate it for the recommended time to allow the Jell-O to set properly.

Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Yes! You can substitute pretzels with crushed graham crackers or even crushed nuts for a different twist on the crust.

Q: How can I make this dessert lower in sugar?
A: Use sugar-free Jell-O and reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Strawberry Pretzel Salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or family gatherings.
• It pairs wonderfully with other summer desserts like ice cream or a fruit salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The mix of salty pretzel crust, creamy cheese filling, and sweet strawberry topping is irresistible.
• Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps, this dessert is perfect for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!