Heavenly Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe: Sweet Summer Bliss

Creamy layers of sweet and salty delight dance together in this classic strawberry pretzel salad that has been tantalizing taste buds for generations.

Every bite of this nostalgic dessert promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Crunchy pretzel crust meets silky cream cheese filling and vibrant strawberry gelatin in a harmonious blend that screams summer comfort.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients that create an extraordinary dessert experience.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this crowd-pleasing treat for its irresistible combination of sweet and salty elements.

You won’t be able to resist the temptation of this delectable dessert that promises to become an instant favorite at your next gathering.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Ingredient Checklist

• Pretzels: Crunchy foundation that adds a salty, textural contrast to the sweet layers, choose thin, crisp pretzels for the best crumble.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust and provides rich, golden flavor, select unsalted butter for precise sweetness control.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps pretzels caramelize during baking, white granulated sugar works best.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for the middle layer, use room temperature for easy mixing.
• Whipped Topping: Adds light, airy texture and subtle sweetness, choose full-fat version for best consistency.
• Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tanginess and enhances overall dessert sweetness.

• Strawberry Jell-O: Provides vibrant color and fruity flavor, opt for name-brand for most reliable set.
• Fresh Strawberries: Adds natural freshness and visual appeal, select ripe, firm berries with deep red color.
• Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving Jell-O powder completely and creating smooth gelatin layer.

Tools to Layer the Perfect Strawberry Pretzel Salad

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the pretzel crust and assembling the entire dessert.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining pretzel crust ingredients and mixing cream cheese layer.
• Electric mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Spatula: Great for folding whipped topping and spreading layers evenly.
• Whisk: Helps dissolve Jell-O and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cleanly slicing the dessert when serving.

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad with Crunch

• Craft the Crunchy Base

Crush pretzels into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into a baking dish, creating a solid foundation for your delightful dessert.

• Bake and Cool the Crust

Pop the crust into the oven at 350F and bake for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely, ensuring a crisp and sturdy base.

• Whip Up the Creamy Layer

Beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping, creating a luscious blanket that will cover the pretzel crust.

• Seal and Chill the Cream

Spread the cream mixture evenly across the crust, making sure to reach the edges. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the layer firmly.

• Prepare the Fruity Topping

Dissolve strawberry Jell-O in boiling water, stirring until completely integrated. Let it cool to room temperature, then mix in fresh strawberries.

• Layer and Set the Jell-O

Carefully pour the strawberry Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until the topping is completely firm.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slice the chilled dessert into perfect squares and serve cold. Delight in the harmonious blend of crunchy, creamy, and fruity textures.

Flavor Tips for Balancing Sweet and Salty

• Crush pretzels into fine, even crumbs for a perfectly textured base that holds together beautifully when sliced.
• Prepare this dessert a day in advance to let flavors meld and Jell-O set completely, making party prep a breeze.
• Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use coconut whipped topping to create a delicious vegan-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
• Experiment with different berries like raspberries or blueberries to create unique flavor combinations and match seasonal produce availability.
• For a crunchier crust, toast pretzel crumbs in the oven for 3-5 minutes before mixing with butter, enhancing the nutty, toasted flavor profile.

Serving Strawberry Pretzel Salad at Brunch or BBQs

• Dessert Party Centerpiece: Showcase this vibrant strawberry pretzel salad as the star attraction at your next gathering, letting its colorful layers impress guests.
• Fresh Fruit Garnish: Top each slice with extra fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves to enhance visual appeal and add a burst of natural sweetness.
• Whipped Cream Delight: Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream beside each serving to provide a creamy complement that balances the dessert's sweet and salty profile.
• Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack individual portions in mason jars for an easy-to-transport dessert that travels well and looks adorable at outdoor events.

Best Way to Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad Overnight

• Store the strawberry pretzel salad in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. Keep the dessert chilled at 40°F or below for optimal taste and texture.
• This delightful dessert stays delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly. Always cover the dish completely to protect the layers from drying out or developing a skin on top.
• Prepare the entire dessert up to 2 days before serving, which allows flavors to meld and makes party planning stress-free. The layered structure actually improves as it sits in the refrigerator.
• While not ideal, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy within 24 hours of defrosting for best quality and taste.

Dreamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Nostalgic sweet and salty strawberry pretzel salad combines creamy layers with crunchy pretzel crust for a classic Southern dessert. Refreshing cream cheese filling and glossy strawberry glaze create a perfect summer treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (473 ml) pretzels, crushed
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsps granulated sugar
• 1 (8 oz/226 g) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 (8 oz/226 g) container whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (6 oz/170 g) package strawberry Jell-O
• 2 cups (473 ml) boiling water
• 2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, sliced

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Blend crushed pretzels with melted butter and sugar, pressing the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350F (175C) for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
2. Cream Layer Creation: Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, gently folding in whipped topping. Spread evenly across the cooled crust, ensuring complete coverage to prevent Jell-O seepage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
3. Jell-O Infusion: Dissolve strawberry Jell-O in boiling water, stirring until fully integrated. Cool to room temperature, then fold in fresh strawberries. Carefully pour the fruity mixture over the cream cheese layer.
4. Final Chilling: Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the Jell-O to set completely and flavors to meld. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing, layered treat that balances sweet, creamy, and tangy elements.

Notes

• Bake the pretzel base thoroughly and let it cool completely to create a crisp foundation that won’t become mushy when layered with cream cheese and Jell-O.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumps, creating a silky, even layer across the entire surface.
• Allow Jell-O to cool to room temperature before adding strawberries and pouring over the cream cheese layer, preventing the layer from breaking or mixing unintentionally.
• This dessert actually tastes better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly, making it an ideal make-ahead party dessert.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg