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Strawberry Pretzel Salad – Sweet, Creamy & Crunchy Layered Dessert Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 83 reviews
  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful classic layered dessert that combines a crunchy pretzel crust with a smooth, creamy filling and a sweet, fruity strawberry topping. This easy-to-make, make-ahead treat is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings, offering a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and creamy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Crust:

  • 2 cups (200g) crushed pretzels
  • ¾ cup (150g) sugar
  • ¾ cup (170g) butter, melted

Cream Layer:

  • 1 package (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) sugar
  • 1 container (225g) whipped topping

Strawberry Layer:

  • 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 package (85g) strawberry gelatin
  • 2 cups (480ml) boiling water

Optional Add-ins:

  • Chopped pecans
  • Mixed berries
  • Reduced sugar options

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
  2. Make Crust: In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish to form an even crust layer.
  3. Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool completely to prevent melting the cream layer.
  4. Prepare Cream Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
  5. Assemble Cream Layer: Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges well to prevent the strawberry gelatin from soaking into the crust.
  6. Prepare Strawberry Layer: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin package in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring well until completely dissolved. Let the gelatin cool slightly before adding the sliced fresh strawberries to avoid melting the cream layer.
  7. Assemble Dessert: Pour the strawberry and gelatin mixture evenly over the cream layer, spreading gently.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for several hours or preferably overnight until fully set and firm before serving.

Notes

  • Cool crust completely before adding the cream layer to prevent melting and preserve texture.
  • Seal the cream layer edges to stop the strawberry gelatin from soaking into the crust and making it soggy.
  • Do not add hot gelatin directly; allow it to cool slightly to protect the cream layer.
  • This dessert is best made ahead and chilled for several hours or overnight for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; avoid freezing to maintain texture integrity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Pretzel Salad, layered dessert, pretzel crust, creamy filling, strawberry topping, holiday dessert, potluck recipe

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Find it online: https://recipiana.com/strawberry-pretzel-salad-sweet-creamy-and-crunchy-layered-dessert-recipe/