Description
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a classic American layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, fresh strawberries, and a strawberry-flavored gelatin topping. This sweet and tangy no-bake dessert balances salty and sweet flavors with a refreshing fruity finish, perfect for summer or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups (about 5 oz or 140g) crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz or 225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 container (8 oz or 225g) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Gelatin and Fruit Topping
- 1 package (6 oz or 170g) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups (480ml) boiling water
- 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, sliced
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 sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes until set and fragrant, then remove and allow it to cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges to form a seal that prevents gelatin leakage. Chill this layer in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
- Prepare the gelatin: In a clean bowl, dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until all granules are completely dissolved. Allow the gelatin to cool to room temperature – avoid refrigerating to prevent premature setting.
- Assemble with strawberries and gelatin: Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer. Carefully pour the cooled (but still liquid) gelatin mixture over the strawberries, distributing it evenly. Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once set, slice the salad into 12 servings and serve chilled for a refreshing, sweet, and tangy dessert treat.
Notes
- Spread the cream cheese layer completely to the edges of the crust to create an effective barrier that prevents the gelatin from soaking into and weakening the crust.
- Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- This dessert benefits from chilling time, so plan ahead for at least 4 hours of refrigeration after assembly.
- Use a 9×13-inch pan for proper layering and portion size.
