Why Make This Recipe
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delicious dessert that balances salty and sweet. The crunchy pretzel crust pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and fruity strawberry topping. It’s a great treat for gatherings, potlucks, or just a family dessert night. Easy to prepare and fun to eat, this recipe brings a smile to everyone’s face.
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups tiny pretzel twists
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 package strawberry flavored Jell-O (6 ounces)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 16 ounces frozen sliced strawberries
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pretzels into a zip-top bag and crush them into coarse crumbs. In a mixing bowl, stir the crushed pretzels with 1/4 cup sugar and the melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully mixed. Spread this creamy mixture over the cooled pretzel crust and refrigerate for 1 hour.
In a separate bowl, whisk the Jell-O and boiling water together for about 2 minutes until it is fully dissolved. Stir in the sliced frozen strawberries and allow the mixture to rest for 2 minutes. Carefully spoon the Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. For a cleaner finish, you can skim off any froth on top. If you are using fresh strawberries, let the Jell-O cool to room temperature before adding them.
How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad
To serve, cut the Strawberry Pretzel Salad into squares and place on dessert plates. You can add extra sliced strawberries on top for a colorful touch. This dish is best enjoyed chilled, making it refreshing on warm days.
How to Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. It can last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Tips to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- For an even crunchier crust, bake the pretzel crust a little longer but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- If you love more strawberry flavor, add fresh strawberries into the cream cheese layer.
- To make it a low-sugar option, substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative.
Variation
You can switch up the flavor by using different Jell-O flavors like raspberry or peach, along with corresponding fruit. This creates a fun twist and allows for seasonal variations.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries?
Yes, using fresh strawberries instead of frozen is fine. Just let the Jell-O mixture cool to room temperature before adding them.
How long does it take to chill?
The salad needs at least 6 hours to chill, so it’s best to prepare it the night before serving.
Can I make it a day ahead?
Absolutely! This dessert keeps well in the fridge, and making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place pretzels into a zip-top bag and crush them into coarse crumbs.
- In a mixing bowl, stir the crushed pretzels with 1/4 cup sugar and the melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish to form a crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully mixed.
- Spread this creamy mixture over the cooled pretzel crust and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the Jell-O and boiling water together for about 2 minutes until it is fully dissolved.
- Stir in the sliced frozen strawberries and allow the mixture to rest for 2 minutes.
- Carefully spoon the Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
- For a cleaner finish, you can skim off any froth on top.
- If using fresh strawberries, let the Jell-O cool to room temperature before adding them.