Strawberry Pretzel Salad
A nostalgic dessert combining a salty pretzel crust with creamy layers and fresh strawberries in a Jell-O topping, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzel sticks Opt for a good-quality brand like Snyder’s for the best crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter Make sure it’s at room temperature for effective mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Regular white sugar works perfectly here.
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese Recommendation: use full-fat for the richest flavor.
- 1 cup whipped topping Cool Whip works great, but homemade whipped cream is a delicious alternative.
Strawberry Layer
- 1 cup granulated sugar This is added to balance the tartness of the strawberries.
- 6 oz strawberry Jell-O The classic packet will do, but feel free to use other berry flavors!
- 2 cups boiling water Essential for dissolving the Jell-O.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced Always opt for ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the pretzel sticks into roughly ½-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the crushed pretzels with the melted butter and 1 cup of sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
Strawberry Layer
- Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved.
- Fold in the sliced strawberries and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, consider using non-dairy cream cheese and whipped alternatives. The dessert is best served chilled but can sit out for about 30 minutes.