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The BEST Strawberry Pretzel Salad (Creamy, Crunchy & So Delicious!) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 100 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Strawberry Pretzel Salad features a crunchy, salty pretzel crust layered with a smooth, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, topped with fresh strawberries and a shimmering strawberry Jell-O glaze. This dish combines textures and flavors perfectly, making it a beloved dessert for potlucks and family gatherings, chilled to a refreshing, delightful finish.


Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Crust

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 1 (8 ounces) block cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces whipped topping such as Cool Whip, thawed

Strawberry Topping

  • 6 ounces Strawberry Jell-O
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy and smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with a spatula. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
  3. Prepare the strawberry topping: While the cream cheese layer chills, whisk the Strawberry Jell-O powder with 2 cups of boiling water until fully dissolved. Let this mixture cool at room temperature until it is completely cooled but not set.
  4. Assemble the top layer: Evenly distribute the sliced fresh strawberries over the chilled cream cheese layer. Slowly pour the cooled Jell-O mixture over the strawberries, making sure to cover them well.
  5. Chill the salad: Refrigerate the assembled salad until the Jell-O topping is firmly set, a minimum of 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. Serve: Once set, cut the salad into squares and serve chilled for a delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, and fruity flavors.

Notes

  • Use the larger 6-ounce box of Strawberry Jell-O, not the smaller size, for the correct consistency.
  • Crush the pretzels thoroughly before measuring to ensure the right texture and amount; a food processor or rolling pin works best.
  • Do not follow the Jell-O box instructions; use the recipe method for perfect setting and flavor.