Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry pretzel salad isn’t really a salad at all; it’s an easy make-ahead dessert recipe. This dessert has a salty-sweet pretzel crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, and a fresh strawberry Jell-O topping. Crisp, creamy, and crowd-pleasing in every bite.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Ingredients

• Pretzels: Use either mini pretzel twists or pretzel sticks and crush them with a rolling pin.
• Cream Cheese: Use a block of cream cheese, not the spreadable tub. Full fat cream cheese sets the best.
• Whipped Topping: I use whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) in this recipe to keep it easy; however, you can use whipped cream if you’d prefer.
• Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and prettiest dessert, use fresh sliced strawberries. If using frozen strawberries, add them to the hot Jell-O once it’s mixed (no need to thaw first).
• Strawberry Gelatin: The strawberry Jell-O layer is easy and a pretty topping on this recipe. You can use any flavor of red Jell-O (like raspberry). Ensure you use the larger 6-serving-sized box.

Variations

This recipe can be made with other varieties of fruit and Jell-O. Try the following:

• raspberries and raspberry Jell-O
• canned mandarin oranges or peaches and orange Jell-O

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

1. Crust: Combine the crust ingredients and press into the bottom of a baking dish (full recipe below).
2. Creamy Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, and stir in whipped topping. Spread over the pretzel layer and refrigerate until firm.
3. Strawberry Topping: Combine strawberry Jell-O and water with strawberries and pour over the creamy layer.
4. Refrigerate overnight: When ready to enjoy, cut into squares and serve!

Tips for a Perfect Dessert

• Cool layers: Allow each layer to cool/chill before adding the next layer.
• Protect the crust: Spread the cream cheese layer all the way to the edge to prevent the pretzel crust from becoming soggy.
• Cool Jello: Allow the Jell-O to cool to room temperature before pouring on the fresh strawberries so the heat doesn’t wilt them.

To Make Pretzel Salad Ahead of Time

• Strawberry pretzel salad is best when made at least half a day in advance (making it a great dessert or potluck dish).
• It needs a minimum of 4 hours to set up, or preferably longer. It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• This dessert does not freeze well.

Did you make this Strawberry Pretzel Salad? Leave a comment and rating below.

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Chill Time 6 hours hours

Total Time 6 hours hours 35 minutes minutes

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.

• Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl and press into the bottom of a 9×13 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.

Do not follow the instructions on the Jell-o box. Ensure the Jell-o is the larger 6 oz size box.
The pretzels are crushed first and then measured. Use a food processor or a rolling pin to crush the pretzels. 

Calories: 244 | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 28.2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

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