Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that combines sweet and salty flavors in a refreshing way. This layered treat features a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and a fruity strawberry topping. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply a sweet ending to your meal at home. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress everyone!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The mix of textures—crunchy pretzels, smooth cream cheese, and juicy strawberries—keeps things interesting. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert, which means you won’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s sweet, salty, and looks beautiful on any table, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Making Strawberry Pretzel Salad is simple and fun! Follow these steps, and you’ll have this delicious dish ready in no time.
Ingredients:
2 cups crushed pretzels
0.75 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry flavored Jell-O®
2 cups boiling water
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen strawberries
Directions:
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Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
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Stir crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar together until well-combined. Mix well and press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven until set, about 8 to 10 minutes; set aside to cool.
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Place cream cheese and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth; fold in whipped topping. Spread this mixture onto the cooled crust.
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Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in still-frozen strawberries and allow to set briefly. Pour and spread over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours.
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Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad chilled. Cut it into squares, and you can add some extra whipped topping or fresh strawberries on top for a nice touch. It is a dessert that’s best enjoyed cold, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat!
How to Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Store any leftover Strawberry Pretzel Salad in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days when kept covered. Make sure to place it in an airtight container to keep it tasting great.
Tips to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Ensure the pretzel crust is cool before adding the cream cheese layer to keep the layers from mixing.
- Use freshly thawed strawberries for the best flavor, or you can use fresh strawberries if they are in season.
- Feel free to adjust the sugar based on your taste; some may prefer it a little sweeter.
Variation
You can try adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a twist. Another fun idea is to swap the pretzels with crushed cookies for a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Pretzel Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead! Just keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It often tastes even better after it sits for a while.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work well and will give a robust flavor to your dessert.
What if I don’t have Jell-O®?
If you don’t have Jell-O®, you can use a different flavored gelatin or even a fruit puree as a topping. Just adjust the sweetness as needed.
Enjoy making and eating this delightful Strawberry Pretzel Salad!