Why Make This Recipe
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that combines sweet and salty flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home. The crunchy pretzel base, creamy cheese middle, and fruity strawberry topping come together to create a dish that is loved by many. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time!
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz whipped topping
- 6 oz strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 16 oz frozen strawberries, thawed
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping and spread this over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir in the thawed strawberries. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly before pouring it over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate the dessert until it sets, which takes about 4 hours.
- For a firmer set, refrigerate overnight before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad chilled. Cut into squares and enjoy! It makes a beautiful and tasty addition to any dessert table. You can garnish it with extra strawberries or whipped topping for a nice touch.
How to Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Store any leftover Strawberry Pretzel Salad in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. It should last for about 3-5 days in the fridge.
Tips to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Use fresh strawberries if you prefer, but thawed frozen strawberries work great too.
- For a cooler dish, allow it to chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Variation
You can change the flavor by using different types of gelatin, such as raspberry or blueberry. This gives a new twist to the classic recipe while maintaining the crunchy pretzel and creamy cheese layers.
FAQs
1. Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute in both the crust and cream cheese layers if you want to lower the sugar content.
2. Can I freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad?
It’s best not to freeze this dessert, as the texture of the whipped topping and strawberries may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
3. How can I make Strawberry Pretzel Salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pretzels instead of regular pretzels to make this dessert gluten-free. All other ingredients should be gluten-free as well.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped topping and spread this over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water.
- Stir in the thawed strawberries.
- Allow the mixture to thicken slightly before pouring it over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate the dessert until it sets, which takes about 4 hours.
- For a firmer set, refrigerate overnight before serving.