Strawberry Pretzel Salad
User Reviews
5
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Description
Strawberry Pretzel Salad features a pretzel crust made from crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar that is baked to create a crunchy, salty base. Over this crust sits a fluffy layer of cream cheese blended with sugar and whipped topping, which adds a smooth, creamy contrast. The dessert is topped with sliced fresh strawberries and poured over with cooled strawberry gelatin, which sets to hold the berries in place and add a sweet, fruity layer. The combination of textures—from crunchy to creamy to gelatinous—is central to this dish.
The crust is pre-baked to prevent sogginess, while the cream cheese layer is chilled before adding the gelatin and fruit topping. The gelatin is dissolved in boiling water and cooled to room temperature before layering, which ensures it sets properly without melting the cream cheese layer. The finished salad is refrigerated for several hours or overnight for a firm set.
This salad is served chilled and cut into squares, making it suitable for gatherings or potluck-style meals where handheld or sliceable desserts are preferred. The inclusion of real strawberries and the preparation steps offer a homemade feel that highlights the contrast between salty and sweet flavors.
Using crushed pretzels measured after crushing, preferably with a food processor or rolling pin, helps ensure the right texture and quantity for the crust. Not following the box instructions for the gelatin and using the full 6-ounce size box contributes to the ideal gel layer thickness.
Ingredients
Pretzel Crust
- 2 cups pretzels crushed
- ¾ cup butter melted, unsalted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces whipped topping such a Cool Whip, thawed
Strawberry Topping
- 6 ounces strawberry gelatin dessert Jell-O brand
- 2 cups water boiling
- 4 cups strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl and press into the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gently fold in Cool Whip with a spatula. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel crust and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- While the cream cheese mixture is cooling, whisk Jell-O and 2 cups of boiling water until the Jell-O is completely dissolved. Allow mixture to sit at room temperature until completely cooled.
- Place the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese mixture. Pour cooled Jell-O overtop.
- Refrigerate until firmly set, at least 4-6 hours or overnight. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Crush pretzels before measuring to ensure accurate quantity and texture for the crust.
- Use the larger 6-ounce size of Jell-O strawberry gelatin and do not follow the package instructions for preparation timing.
- Allow the strawberry gelatin mixture to cool completely before pouring over the cream cheese layer to avoid melting it.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 244 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 244 | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 274mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 94mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 22g | 44% |
| Vitamin A | 360IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 28.2mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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