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Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad features a crunchy, salty pretzel crust topped with a creamy sweet cream cheese layer, and finished with a bright, fruity strawberry gelatin topping. Perfect for potlucks and celebrations, this no-fuss recipe combines textures and flavors that delight the palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

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

Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed

Topping

  • 6 ounces strawberry gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
  2. Make Crust Mixture: Stir the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar together until the ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
  3. Press Into Dish: Firmly press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
  4. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set and lightly toast it.
  5. Cool Crust: Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely to avoid melting the cream cheese filling.
  6. Prepare Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  7. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, maintaining its light texture.
  8. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the cooled pretzel crust, sealing it fully to the edges to create a barrier for the gelatin topping.
  9. Dissolve Gelatin: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.
  10. Cool Gelatin: Let the gelatin cool until it is no longer hot but still liquid, to prevent melting the cream layer.
  11. Add Strawberries: Stir the sliced fresh strawberries into the cooled gelatin mixture.
  12. Pour Topping: Gently pour the strawberry gelatin and strawberry mixture over the cream cheese filling, spreading evenly.
  13. Chill Salad: Refrigerate the assembled salad until fully set, for at least 4 hours, allowing the layers to firm up before serving.

Notes

  • Be sure to fully cool the pretzel crust before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the gelatin topping.
  • For ease, crush pretzels in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin or food processor.
  • Allow the gelatin to cool to room temperature before pouring; hot gelatin can cause the cream layer to break.
  • This dessert tastes best after chilling overnight but can be served after 4 hours of refrigeration.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, pretzel crust dessert, no bake strawberry dessert, layered gelatin dessert, cream cheese strawberry salad

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Find it online: https://harperellington.com/strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe/