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- 2 cups pretzel crisps, crushed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup granulated sugar The main ingredients create a crunchy and sweet base. The pretzel crisps give a salty touch, while the butter and sugar add richness. - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip) The cream cheese layer is smooth and sweet. It balances the salty crust well. Whipped topping makes it light and fluffy. - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced - 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix - 2 cups boiling water Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor. The gelatin holds everything together. It makes the dessert look pretty and inviting. This mix of ingredients builds layers of flavor and texture. Each bite gives you a taste of sweet, salty, and fruity. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix 2 cups of crushed pretzel crisps with 1/2 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir until all pretzels are coated. - Press and Bake: Firmly press the pretzel mix into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until golden. - Cool Completely: Remove the dish from the oven and let the crust cool to room temperature. - Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until mixed well. - Strawberry Mixture: In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 cup of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Let it cool for about 15 minutes, then add 2 cups sliced strawberries and combine. - Refrigerate: Pour the strawberry mix over the cream cheese layer. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin sets. - Press Firmly: Press the pretzel mixture down firmly. This helps the crust hold together better. A compact crust makes slicing easier and keeps the layers neat. - Add Flavor: Try adding a pinch of salt or a dash of cinnamon. This small tweak can boost the taste of your crust and make it even better. - Soften Cheese: Always let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend with the powdered sugar. A smooth mixture is key to a great layer. - Presentation Tips: When serving, garnish with whole strawberries and fresh mint leaves. This adds a pop of color and makes your dish look stunning. A beautiful presentation can make a simple treat feel special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: Always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your dessert. Cool the Gelatin: Make sure the gelatin mixture cools to room temperature before adding the strawberries to prevent them from getting mushy. Chill Before Serving: Allow the dessert to chill for at least 2 hours to ensure the layers set properly and flavors meld together. Customize the Crust: Feel free to experiment with different types of pretzels or add crushed nuts to the crust for added flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can make Strawberry Pretzel Salad even more fun by changing flavors. Try using different gelatin flavors. Raspberry or peach gelatin can give a new twist. They add unique tastes and colors to your dish. You can also mix in other fruits. Banana slices or blueberries make great additions. They add extra sweetness and color to the topping. Let your creativity shine and customize this dessert to fit your taste! If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps for this recipe. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pretzel crisps. They taste just as good and keep the crunch. If you follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy this treat. Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. Use a plant-based whipped topping too. These changes keep the dessert creamy and delicious without any animal products. Enjoy every bite! To keep your Strawberry Pretzel Salad fresh, store it properly. - Refrigerator Storage: Cover the dish and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the cool, creamy layers without losing flavor. - Freezing Consideration: You can freeze the salad, but the texture may change when you thaw it. The pretzel crust might become a bit soggy, so it's best to eat it fresh. For the best flavor, enjoy your Strawberry Pretzel Salad within a few days. The strawberries stay bright and tasty this way. If you let it sit too long, the flavors may fade, and the texture might change. So, share it with friends or family and savor it soon! Strawberry Pretzel Salad lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, it might not taste as fresh. The crust can get soggy over time, so enjoy it soon! Yes, you can make Strawberry Pretzel Salad a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge. This way, the flavors will blend nicely. It will be ready to serve when you need it! If you don’t have whipped topping, you can use homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. You can also use yogurt for a healthier option. This blog post covers a tasty Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe, from ingredients to instructions. You learned about the easy steps to create a delicious dessert with a creamy layer and fruity topping. Remember, you can customize the recipe with different flavors or make dietary swaps. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days for great taste. Enjoy making this fun dish for gatherings or just for yourself! It’s simple and satisfies everyone’s sweet tooth.

Strawberry Pretzel Delight

A delicious layered dessert with a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheese filling, and fresh strawberry topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel crisps, crushed
  • 1 2 unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 4 granulated sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix
  • 2 cups boiling water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzel crisps with melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the pretzels are well coated.
  • Bake the Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to create a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool completely.
  • Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
  • Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the crust has cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the pretzel crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
  • Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved and let it cool for about 15 minutes.
  • Add the Strawberries: Stir in the sliced strawberries into the cooled gelatin mixture.
  • Combine Layers: Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is set.
  • Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Serve on a decorative platter garnished with whole strawberries and mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Keyword dessert, no-bake, strawberry