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Strawberry Pretzel Salad

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This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity flavors. Featuring a crunchy, buttery pretzel crust, a tangy and smooth cream cheese filling, and a refreshing strawberry gelatin topping loaded with fresh strawberries, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or celebrating the holidays, this nostalgic dessert is easy to prepare, visually stunning, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar

For the cream cheese layer:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 oz (225g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

For the strawberry topping:

  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 6 oz (170g) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until evenly combined. Spread this mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to cover the edges to prevent the gelatin layer from seeping through. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes, then stir in the sliced fresh strawberries.
  5. Gently pour the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
  6. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

General Tips

  • Chill for Clean Layers: Refrigerate each layer as directed to ensure the layers set properly and don’t mix.
  • Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal for this recipe, but if you use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid affecting the gelatin layer.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth, lump-free filling.

Customizations

  • Fruits: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or even a mix of tropical fruits to suit the season or your preference.
  • Gelatin Flavors: Experiment with other flavors like raspberry, cherry, or lime gelatin to complement your fruit choice.
  • Crust Options: If you prefer less salt or a sweeter base, substitute pretzels with graham crackers, crushed Oreos, or a nut-based crust.

Storage

  • This dessert is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered, to keep it fresh. The crust may soften over time, so prepare it as close to serving as possible for the best texture.
  • Freezing is not recommended as the gelatin and cream cheese layer can separate upon thawing.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Prevent a Soggy Crust: Make sure the cream cheese layer completely seals the edges of the crust to stop the gelatin from seeping through.
  • Cool Gelatin Slightly: Let the gelatin cool for about 10 minutes before pouring it over the cream cheese layer to prevent melting or mixing.
  • Serve Chilled: Always serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad cold for the best flavor and texture.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/strawberry-pretzel-salad-2/