Name: Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 package (6 ounces) strawberry gelatin; 2 cups boiling water; 1 cup cold water

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If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s a hit at any gathering, look no further than Strawberry Pretzel Salad. This classic treat is a wildly popular Southern potluck staple, with its irresistible layers of salty pretzel crust, sweet cream cheese filling, and shimmering strawberry gelatin studded with fresh berries. Every bite is a beautiful mix of crunchy, creamy, and fruity, making it impossible to eat just one square!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Strawberry Pretzel Salad lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen not only for flavor but also for the unique textures and colors it brings. Together, they create a perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and fresh that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Pretzels: Crushed pretzels form the crunchy, salty base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet layers above.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the pretzel crust together and adds rich flavor.
Granulated Sugar (for crust and filling): Just a touch in the crust and more in the filling sweetens both without overpowering the dessert.
Cream Cheese: When softened and whipped, this forms a luscious, tangy layer that’s irresistible.
Whipped Topping: Folded into the cream cheese for a light, airy texture (and super easy to spread!).
Fresh Strawberries: Sliced and stirred into the gelatin, they add bright color and juicy bursts of flavor.
Strawberry Gelatin: This holds the top layer together and infuses every bite with sweet berry taste.
Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving the gelatin completely—don’t skimp on this step!
Cold Water: Helps the gelatin cool and set properly, so your salad slices perfectly every time.

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Step 1: Make the Pretzel Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. The tighter you pack it, the crispier your base will be! Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins—the tangy sweetness is absolutely dreamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well combined and fluffy. Carefully spread this mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges so the next layer stays put.

Step 3: Create the Strawberry Gelatin Topping

Now for the sparkling top! Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Then add 1 cup of cold water to help cool things down. Let the gelatin mixture sit until it’s slightly thickened but not fully set—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Once it’s ready, stir in the sliced fresh strawberries. Pour this beautiful mixture gently over the cream cheese layer, spreading the strawberries evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place your assembled Strawberry Pretzel Salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial for the layers to firm up and set, ensuring you get those perfect slices with distinct, gorgeous layers. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled for the ultimate sweet-salty experience!

How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry half, or even a tiny mint sprig. These simple touches not only look beautiful but also add a little extra flavor and freshness.

Side Dishes

Since Strawberry Pretzel Salad is sweet and slightly salty, it pairs wonderfully with lighter fare. Think grilled chicken, lemony green salads, or even a classic barbecue spread. Its vibrant color makes it a standout on any buffet table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try making individual servings in small mason jars or clear cups—perfect for grab-and-go treats. You can also cut the salad into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a festive twist at baby showers or brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Strawberry Pretzel Salad tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the pretzel crust is at its crispiest within the first 24 hours.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Strawberry Pretzel Salad, as the gelatin and cream cheese layers may become watery and lose their texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve made it ahead, simply slice and serve straight from the refrigerator for optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen sliced strawberries work well. Just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in your gelatin layer.

What type Dessert

Traditional small pretzel twists or sticks are perfect. They crush easily and provide the right amount of salty crunch for the base.

Can I make Strawberry Pretzel Salad in advance?

Yes! In fact, making it the night before helps the layers to fully set. Just keep it covered and chilled until you’re ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this dessert lighter?

You sure can. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping to cut down on calories and fat, while still keeping all that creamy, dreamy goodness.

Why did my crust turn soggy?

If the cream cheese layer doesn’t fully cover the pretzel crust, the gelatin layer can seep down and soften it. Make sure to spread the filling all the way to the edges as a protective barrier.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is pure nostalgia and pure joy in every bite. If you’ve never made it before, trust me—your friends and family will rave about it. Give it a try for your next get-together and watch it disappear in a flash!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese topping, and a fruity strawberry gelatin layer studded with fresh strawberries. Perfect for summer potlucks and gatherings, it combines textures and flavors that please every palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed

Strawberry Gelatin Layer

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 package (6 ounces) strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 cup cold water

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even crust layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely to ensure it sets firmly.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, taking care to seal the edges well to prevent the gelatin layer from leaking through the crust.
Prepare the Gelatin Mixture: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring thoroughly until fully dissolved. Stir in 1 cup of cold water. Allow the gelatin to cool slightly until it thickens but is not set. Once slightly thickened, fold in the sliced fresh strawberries.
Assemble and Chill: Carefully pour the slightly thickened gelatin and strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly. Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin layer is fully set. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese layer fully covers the pretzel crust to prevent the gelatin from seeping through and making the crust soggy.
If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to the gelatin.
For a lighter version, substitute with reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to reduce calories and fat content.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking and Chilling
Cuisine: American