why make this recipe
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that combines sweet, salty, and creamy flavors in a fun way. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings. The crunchy pretzel crust adds a unique texture, while the creamy filling and fruity topping make it refreshing and satisfying. This dessert is not only easy to make, but it also looks beautiful when served.
how to make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups tiny pretzel twists
- 1/8 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces sour cream or yogurt, whole or low fat
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 – 6 oz package strawberry flavored Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 ounces fresh or frozen sliced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- A splash of vanilla
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- Strawberry flavoring or similar flavoring
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Crush the pretzel twists in a plastic storage bag until they look like granola.
- Mix the crushed pretzels with melted butter and granulated sugar.
- Press this mixture into a baking dish in a thin layer and bake for 15 minutes until it becomes crisp.
- Slice the strawberries and mix them with sugar and a splash of vanilla. Let them sit for a while to release their juice.
- Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions and mix it with the strawberries.
- Soften the cream cheese and whip it until smooth. Fold in sour cream or yogurt.
- In parfait glasses, layer some pretzel crumbs, followed by cream cheese filling, and then the strawberry topping.
- Top with the remaining cream cheese filling, sprinkle more pretzel crumbs on top, and add a pretzel thin or a mint leaf for garnish.
how to serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad in individual parfait glasses or in a large serving dish. It is best served chilled, making it a refreshing treat on a warm day. You can share it with family and friends, or keep some for yourself to enjoy later!
how to store Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It is best consumed within 2-3 days for the freshest taste.
tips to make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Make sure the pretzel crust is cool before adding the cream cheese filling, as this will keep it from melting.
- You can use fresh strawberries for a brighter flavor or frozen strawberries if you prefer.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar when mixing the strawberries.
variation
For a twist on this recipe, you can try using other fruit flavors with Jell-O, such as raspberry or peach, and pair them with matching fresh fruits. You can also add a layer of chocolate pudding for added richness!
FAQs
Q: Can I use different nuts or cookies instead of pretzels?
A: Yes, you can substitute crushed graham crackers, cookies, or different nuts for a different flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare Strawberry Pretzel Salad a day ahead of your event. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Q: Is it necessary to use unflavored gelatin?
A: While unflavored gelatin helps stabilize the strawberry mixture, you can skip it if desired, knowing it may be slightly less firm.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Crush the pretzel twists in a plastic storage bag until they look like granola.
- Mix the crushed pretzels with melted butter and granulated sugar.
- Press this mixture into a baking dish in a thin layer and bake for 15 minutes until it becomes crisp.
- Slice the strawberries and mix them with sugar and a splash of vanilla. Let them sit for a while to release their juice.
- Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions and mix it with the strawberries.
- Soften the cream cheese and whip it until smooth. Fold in sour cream or yogurt.
- In parfait glasses, layer some pretzel crumbs, followed by cream cheese filling, and then the strawberry topping.
- Top with the remaining cream cheese filling, sprinkle more pretzel crumbs on top, and add a pretzel thin or a mint leaf for garnish.