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- 2 cups crushed pretzels - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup granulated sugar (divided) - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 cup strawberry jello powder - 2 cups boiling water The ingredients for Strawberry Pretzel Salad are simple yet essential. Start with two cups of crushed pretzels. They give a nice crunch. You will also need half a cup of unsalted butter, melted, to bind the crust. Add half a cup of granulated sugar, divided into two parts. This sweetens the pretzels and cream cheese. For the creamy layer, use eight ounces of softened cream cheese. It provides a rich taste. Mix in one cup of powdered sugar to enhance the sweetness. Finally, include one tub of whipped topping. This adds lightness to the cream layer. For the strawberry layer, gather two cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced. These will bring a bright, fruity flavor. You will also need one cup of strawberry jello powder. This gives a lovely red color and sweetness. Lastly, boil two cups of water to dissolve the jello. These ingredients come together to create a delightful treat. They blend salty, sweet, and creamy flavors, making this dessert a favorite for many. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the crust bake perfectly. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed pretzels, ½ cup of melted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Mix well until the pretzels are coated. 3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Form it into a nice crust. 4. Bake for 10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. 1. In another bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix until smooth. 2. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until everything is well combined. 3. Gently fold in 1 tub (8 oz) of whipped topping. This makes the layer light and creamy. 4. Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. 1. In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 cup of strawberry jello powder in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until it is fully dissolved. 2. Allow the jello to cool slightly, then add 2 cups of sliced strawberries to it. 3. Once at room temperature, pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. 4. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the jello is fully set. 5. Serve chilled by slicing into squares. Enjoy the sweet and salty mix of flavors! To make the best pretzel crust, focus on even thickness. Aim for about a quarter inch all over. An uneven crust can cook too fast in some spots. You might need to adjust your baking time. If your crust looks golden, it’s ready. Softening cream cheese is key. Take it out of the fridge an hour before you mix. This makes it easy to blend. When you fold in the whipped topping, do it gently. This keeps the mixture fluffy, which is what you want for a light texture. Cooling the jello mixture is very important. If it’s too hot, it can melt the cream cheese layer. Let it sit until it’s warm, then add the strawberries. For a quicker set, place the jello in the fridge for a short time. This way, it will firm up faster and be ready to serve sooner. Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, opt for ripe, fresh strawberries. They provide a burst of sweetness that complements the other layers beautifully. Cool Jello Before Adding Strawberries: Make sure the jello mixture is at room temperature before mixing in the strawberries to prevent them from becoming mushy. Chill Thoroughly: Allow the dessert to chill for the full 4 hours or longer to ensure the jello sets properly, making it easier to slice and serve. Experiment with Flavors: While strawberry is a classic choice, feel free to try other jello flavors like raspberry or peach for a delicious twist on this dessert. {{image_2}} You can mix up the fruits in your Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Instead of strawberries, try using blueberries or raspberries. They add a fun twist and taste great. You can also use tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. These fruits bring a sweet and bright flavor that pairs well with the cream cheese. If you want a lighter version, consider using alternative sweeteners. Stevia or honey works well to cut down sugar. You can also swap regular cream cheese for low-fat cream cheese. This change keeps the creamy texture while making it healthier. When it comes to serving, presentation matters. Try using elegant glass dessert cups. This makes the layers visible and looks fancy. You can also garnish with a whole strawberry on top for extra color. For serving sizes, this recipe makes 12 squares. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. To keep your strawberry pretzel salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If you don't have one, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This dessert tastes best when chilled. The salad stays good for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze strawberry pretzel salad, but it changes the texture. To freeze, cut the salad into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps keep them fresh. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid refreezing once thawed. Check for any changes in color or smell. If the salad looks or smells off, it's best to throw it away. Mushy strawberries are also a bad sign. Always taste a small piece if you are unsure. For safety, do not eat leftovers that have been in the fridge for more than 5 days. Yes, you can make this dessert ahead! I suggest preparing it one day in advance. This allows the layers to set well and the flavors to blend. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you want a change from jello powder, try using gelatin. You can also use fruit puree with some sugar. This will give your dessert a fresh twist. Just mix in the puree after dissolving the gelatin in water. Absolutely! You can find gluten-free pretzels at many stores. Check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free. They work great in this recipe and keep that salty crunch we love. Yes, fresh whipped cream is a lovely choice! Just whip heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. You may need to adjust the sugar in the cream cheese layer. This will keep the dessert light and airy, adding a nice touch. In this blog post, we covered the tasty layers of strawberry pretzel salad, focusing on each key ingredient. We explored tips for achieving a perfect crust, making the creamy layer, and assembling the strawberry topping. Remember, variations add fun to this dish, and proper storage keeps it fresh longer. In summary, this dessert is both easy to make and enjoyable for any occasion. Try your own twists to make it unique and delicious!

Sweet & Salty Strawberry Pretzel Delight

A delicious dessert combining a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fruity strawberry topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip or similar)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup strawberry jello powder
  • 2 cups boiling water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with melted butter and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Mix well until the pretzels are fully coated.
  • Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
  • In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar and the powdered sugar, mixing until thoroughly combined.
  • Gently fold in the whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well blended.
  • Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  • In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry jello powder in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until the jello is completely dissolved.
  • Allow the jello mixture to cool slightly, then add the sliced strawberries to it. Once it is at room temperature, pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
  • Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the jello is fully set.
  • Serve chilled, slicing into squares as needed. Enjoy the mix of sweet cream cheese with crunchy pretzel crust and fruity jelly.

Notes

Serve in elegant glass dessert cups, garnishing with a whole strawberry on top for a pop of color.
Keyword dessert, pretzel, strawberry