Strawberry Pretzel Salad
A layered dessert that combines a crunchy pretzel crust with a creamy cheese filling and a fruity strawberry jello topping, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels Use unsalted pretzels for better flavor balance.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Melt until fully liquid.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness to the crust.
For the Creamy Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened Let sit at room temperature before mixing.
- 1 cup powdered sugar Ensure it is sifted for smooth mixing.
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip Thawed before use.
For the Strawberry Layer
- 1 package (6 oz) strawberry jello Use any brand available.
- 2 cups boiling water Pour hot water over jello for dissolving.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced Can substitute with thawed frozen strawberries.
Instructions
Prepare the Pretzel Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.
Create the Creamy Layer
- In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in the Cool Whip gently until everything is combined.
- Spread this creamy mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to cover it evenly.
Prepare the Strawberry Layer
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Once cooled, fold in the sliced strawberries and pour this mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Chill
- Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
Serve
- Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
For the best texture, let the salad chill long enough; overnight is ideal. You can add other berries like blueberries for a mixed berry medley. This dessert can be prepped a day in advance.