Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an amazing dessert that is perfect during the hot summer months. It’s actually one of my favorite desserts because of it salty, sweet, creamy and fruity flavors. It may sound strange but the combination of these flavors work really well together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Sweet and salty flavor combination
- Great for potlucks and parties
- Easy to prepare
- Made with simple ingredients
- Always a crowd favorite
What Is Strawberry Pretzel Salad?
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a layered dessert consisting of three layers. One is a buttery and sweet pretzel crust. The next a sweet and creamy whipped layer meant to act as a seal to prevent the pretzel from becoming soggy. The last is a layer of freshly sliced strawberries and jello.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust
- Crushed pretzels
- Brown sugar
- Butter
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- Cream cheese
- Cool Whip
- White sugar
- Vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer
- Strawberry gelatin
- Boiling water
- Cold water
- Fresh strawberries
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Step 1: Make the Pretzel Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until combined.
Remove from the heat and stir in the crushed pretzels until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and press it into an even layer.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Allow the crust to cool completely. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before adding the next layer.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, Cool Whip, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the sugar while mixing and continue beating until fully incorporated.
Spread the mixture evenly over the chilled pretzel crust.
Be sure to spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges of the dish. Creating a complete seal helps prevent the gelatin layer from seeping through and softening the pretzel crust.
Step 3: Add the Strawberries
Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Place the dish in the refrigerator while preparing the gelatin.
Step 4: Prepare the Gelatin
In a large bowl, whisk together the strawberry gelatin and boiling water until completely dissolved.
Add the cold water and stir well.
Place the bowl in the refrigerator until the gelatin begins to thicken and is partially set.
Step 5: Finish and Chill
Once the gelatin has partially set, carefully pour it over the strawberries and cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Slice and serve cold.
Tips for Success
Let the Crust Cool Completely
Adding the cream cheese layer to a warm crust can cause it to soften and become difficult to spread.
Seal the Edges
Spread the cream cheese mixture completely to the edges of the baking dish. This helps prevent the gelatin from leaking through to the pretzel layer.
Don’t Pour Liquid Gelatin Over the Dessert
Allow the gelatin to partially set before pouring it over the strawberries. If it’s still completely liquid, it can spill over the edges and may seep through the cream cheese layer.
Make It Ahead
This dessert is even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because of the gelatin layer, this dessert should not be left at room temperature for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Strawberry Pretzel Salad?
Despite the name, it’s actually a dessert. The recipe became popular decades ago when many sweet gelatin-based dishes were commonly referred to as salads.
Can I make it the day before?
Yes! In fact, Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an excellent make-ahead dessert because it needs time to chill and set.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
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Strawberry and Pretzel Salad
Strawberry and pretzel salad is an amazing dessert that is perfect for the Summer! It is always a hit and even the leftovers are great!
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 3 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 5 tbsp butter
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz block of cream cheese softened
- 8 oz cool whip thawed
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry layer
- 6 oz box of strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 cups fresh sliced strawberries
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350
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In a pot over medium heat melt the butter and brown sugar and stir until well combined.
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Remove pot from heat and add the crushed pretzels. stir to coat the pretzels.
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Transfer the pretzel mixture to a greased 9×13 casserole dish and press to get an even flat layer.
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Bake for 15 min.
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Set the casserole dish aside and let pretzels cool. when cool place in fridge to chill for about 30 min before spreading on the cream cheese mixture.
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In a mixing bowl beat the cream cheese, cool whip and vanilla with an electric mixer.
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While mixing the cream cheese mixture slowly add the white sugar and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
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Spread cream cheese mixture over the pretzels. Create a seal with the cream cheese mixture so that the jello will not be able to seep through to the pretzels.
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Spread the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer and place in fridge to chill.
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In a large bowl stir the strawberry gelatin and boiling water until it is dissolved. Then add cold water and stir. Place in fridge.
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When gelatin is partially set pour it over the cream cheese and sliced strawberries.
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Allow to set for 2 hours or overnight.
