Description
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping filling, and a refreshing strawberry gelatin and fresh strawberry topping. This no-bake (except for baking the crust) dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, tangy, and crunchy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup melted butter
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping
Topping
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Prepare Pretzel Crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Carefully fold in the whipped topping, ensuring everything is well combined. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Prepare Strawberry Gelatin Topping: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin packages in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add the frozen strawberries to the gelatin mixture and stir to combine. Let the mixture set briefly to slightly thicken, then carefully pour it over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Chill and Set: Transfer the assembled dessert to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3-4 hours or until the gelatin topping is fully set. Once set, slice and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the pretzel crust is fully cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting and mixing.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries for frozen if preferred; just slice them before adding to the gelatin.
- For a less sweet option, reduce sugar in the cream cheese layer slightly.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to achieve the smoothest cream cheese filling.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and the gelatin to set completely.
