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- 2 cups pretzel sticks, crushed - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup powdered sugar - 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) - 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix - You can use crushed nuts or granola for a different crunch. - For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pretzel sticks. - Use a sugar substitute to make a low-sugar version. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven for baking. In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups of crushed pretzel sticks, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Ensure all pretzels are well coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake it for 10 minutes. After baking, remove the dish and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Next, take 8 oz of softened cream cheese and place it in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until it is smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar while mixing. Once combined, gently fold in 8 oz of whipped topping until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Spread this cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. For the strawberry layer, dissolve 1 cup of strawberry gelatin mix in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. After cooling, add 2 cups of cold water to the gelatin. Carefully mix in 2 cups of sliced strawberries, making sure they are evenly distributed. Once the gelatin mixture thickens slightly, carefully pour it over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours or, for the best results, overnight. This chilling time helps the layers set properly. Chilling time is key for Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Allow it to chill for at least four hours. This helps each layer set well. For the best results, let it chill overnight. This way, the layers will hold firm, making each bite a delight. Avoid runny gelatin by following the cooling steps carefully. After dissolving the gelatin in boiling water, let it cool for 10 minutes before adding cold water. This helps the gelatin thicken just right. If you pour it too soon, the strawberries might sink. You can enhance the flavor with a few fun add-ins. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese layer. This gives it a warm, rich taste. You can also mix in a bit of lemon juice with the strawberries. It brightens their flavor and adds a nice zing. Using fresh strawberries makes a big difference. They taste great and look beautiful. If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen ones work too. But, make sure to thaw and drain them first. This keeps the dessert from getting too watery. Plating is important for this dessert. Serve the squares on a colorful platter for a fun touch. Use a sharp knife to cut clean, neat squares. This makes the layers easy to see. Garnishing adds to the visual appeal. Top each square with a whole strawberry. Add a few mint leaves for a pop of green. This not only looks nice but also adds a fresh scent. Pro Tips Chill Thoroughly: Ensure the dessert is chilled for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor. Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for fresh strawberries for a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color. Mix Gelatin Properly: Stir the gelatin mixture until fully dissolved to avoid any lumps in your dessert. Press Crust Firmly: Press the pretzel crust firmly into the baking dish to create a solid base that holds up well. {{image_4}} You can change the fruits in this dessert. Blueberries and raspberries work great. They add a new taste and color. Using different gelatin flavors also brings fun. Try lime or orange for a twist. Each flavor makes the layers pop with color and taste. If you want vegan options, you can use plant-based cream cheese. Swap the whipped topping for coconut cream. For sugar-free options, look for sugar-free gelatin. You can also use a sugar substitute in the cream cheese layer. These changes keep the dessert tasty and friendly for many diets. Strawberry Pretzel Salad pairs well with other desserts. Serve it with chocolate cake or vanilla ice cream. It adds a sweet touch to any meal. This dessert shines at parties, picnics, or family gatherings. Its colorful layers impress guests and make it a go-to treat. Store your Strawberry Pretzel Salad in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This dessert lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. The layers hold up well, so you can enjoy it for a few days. You can freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad! First, cut it into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, it stays fresh for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the squares in the fridge overnight. They taste great even after freezing. To prevent crust sogginess, let the pretzel crust cool completely before adding layers. This keeps it crunchy. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids for storage. They help maintain the dessert's texture. Enjoy your treat without worries about mushy crust! Yes, you can make Strawberry Pretzel Salad a day in advance. This allows the layers to set well. To prepare ahead, follow these steps: - Make the pretzel crust and let it cool. - Prepare the cream cheese layer and spread it over the crust. - Add the strawberry layer. - Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. - Place it in the fridge overnight. This way, you have a delicious dessert ready for your event or gathering. If you want to swap out Cool Whip, there are great options. Here are a few: - Use homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar. - Try whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. - Look for store-bought whipped toppings that are dairy-free. These alternatives can give you a similar creamy texture. To make a gluten-free Strawberry Pretzel Salad, you can easily switch some ingredients. Here are my tips: - Use gluten-free pretzel sticks or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust. - Ensure your whipped topping and gelatin mix are gluten-free. - Always check labels to confirm they meet gluten-free standards. With these changes, everyone can enjoy this treat! Yes, you can make Strawberry Pretzel Salad healthier with a few swaps. Here are some ideas: - Use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular. - Substitute granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. - Choose a sugar-free gelatin mix to cut calories. - Add more fresh fruit on top for extra nutrients. These simple changes can help make a delicious dessert that’s a bit lighter! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Strawberry Pretzel Salad. We covered the main and additional ingredients, plus helpful substitutions. You learned step-by-step how to prepare each layer, perfect the texture, and enhance the flavor. I shared variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs, along with storage tips. Finally, you now have answers to common questions. This treat is both fun and rewarding to make. Enjoy creating your dessert masterpiece!

Strawberry Pretzel Delight

A delightful layered dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel sticks, crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups cold water

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Crust: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, blend together the crushed pretzel sticks, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the pretzels are well coated. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Carefully spread this luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  • Prepare the Strawberry Layer: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until it is thoroughly dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, stir in 2 cups of cold water. Gently add the sliced strawberries to the gelatin mixture, ensuring they are well distributed.
  • Combine Layers: After the gelatin mixture has thickened slightly but hasn't fully set, carefully pour it over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring complete coverage.
  • Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight until everything is fully set.
  • Serve: When ready to serve, cut the dessert into squares and present chilled. Each slice will reveal the delightful layers of creamy filling, juicy strawberries, and the salty pretzel crust, creating a beautiful visual display.

Notes

For best results, chill overnight.
Keyword dessert, layered, strawberry