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Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 61 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a jiggly strawberry gelatin topping studded with fresh or frozen strawberries. This no-fuss, sweet and tangy treat offers a perfect balance of salty, creamy, and fruity flavors, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 3/4 cup melted butter
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

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

Strawberry Topping

  • 6 oz strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 16 oz frozen sliced strawberries (or fresh, hulled and sliced)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
  2. Make the Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure an even mix.
  3. Press and Bake the Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, forming an even and compact crust layer.
  4. Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove and allow it to cool completely to ensure it sets well.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, free of lumps.
  6. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, blending evenly while maintaining a light texture.
  7. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Spread this creamy mixture over the cooled pretzel crust. Be sure to seal the edges to prevent the gelatin layer from seeping through later.
  8. Refrigerate: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill while you prepare the strawberry topping to allow the cream cheese layer to firm up.
  9. Prepare Strawberry Gelatin: Dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring well until completely dissolved.
  10. Add Strawberries: Stir in the frozen or fresh sliced strawberries into the gelatin mixture and wait until the gelatin starts to thicken slightly.
  11. Pour Strawberry Layer: Pour the strawberry gelatin and strawberries over the cream cheese layer evenly.
  12. Final Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and firm.
  13. Serve: Once fully chilled and set, slice the salad into servings and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting and sogginess.
  • Sealing the edges of the cream cheese layer is crucial to avoid the gelatin layer from seeping through the crust.
  • If using fresh strawberries, allow them to chill before adding to the gelatin to help it set better.
  • This dessert can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated to deepen flavors and improve texture.
  • Use a non-stick or glass baking dish for easier slicing and serving.

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