Description
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert combining a salty pretzel crust with a creamy sweet cream cheese layer, topped with strawberry-flavored Jell-O and fresh strawberry slices. Perfectly balanced with textures and flavors, it’s a refreshing treat that’s ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Crust
- 2 1/2 cups salted pretzels (measured before crushing)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Jell-O Layer
- 6 oz strawberry Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
Topping
- 1 lb fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the pretzels into small pieces in a bowl. Mix together the crushed pretzels, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the Jell-O Layer: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O powder in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir thoroughly until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool slightly at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator until it starts to thicken, approximately 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is fully combined. Evenly spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust layer.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the Jell-O has begun to thicken but is still pourable, carefully pour it over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly. Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the Jell-O layer to complete the assembly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the Jell-O is fully set and the layers are firm. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavors with refreshing strawberries.
Notes
- Make sure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting or mixing layers.
- Let the Jell-O cool slightly before refrigerating to ensure it thickens properly without setting too quickly.
- For best results, chill the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow all layers to set firmly.
- This dessert combines sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at parties and potlucks.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the topping to enhance flavor and presentation.
