Why Make This Recipe

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that combines salty, sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. This dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering. The crunchy pretzel crust contrasts beautifully with the smooth cream cheese layer and the sweet strawberry topping. It’s simple to make and sure to please everyone.

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Ingredients :

2 cups pretzel sticks
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
2 packages (3 oz each) strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Crush the pretzel sticks and mix them with melted butter and granulated sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then let the pretzel crust cool completely.
In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the whipped topping until well combined.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then let it cool slightly.
Stir in the sliced strawberries and pour the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.

How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad chilled. It can be served as a side dish or a dessert. Cut into squares and place on dessert plates for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with a few extra sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped topping for extra flair.

How to Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad

To store Strawberry Pretzel Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for an extended period to maintain its freshness and texture.

Tips to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Make sure the cream cheese is soft before mixing to get a smooth texture.
Allow the pretzel crust to cool completely before adding the cream cheese mixture to avoid melting.
You can use fresh or frozen strawberries; if you use frozen, make sure they are thawed and drained properly.
For added flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mix.

Variation

You can try changing the fruit flavor by using raspberry or blueberry gelatin along with the corresponding fresh fruits. This will give a new twist to the dessert while keeping the same delicious base.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can try using crushed graham crackers or even a cookie crust instead of pretzels if you prefer a different flavor profile.

2. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes! You can use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping. You could also reduce the amount of sugar to make it healthier.

3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Strawberry Pretzel Salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Print Recipe

A delightful dessert combining salty, sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors, perfect for gatherings.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 240 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Refrigerating
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups pretzel sticks
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
2 packages (3 oz each) strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Crush the pretzel sticks and mix with melted butter and granulated sugar. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan.
Bake for 10 minutes and let the pretzel crust cool completely.
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then stir in whipped topping.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water and let it cool slightly; then stir in sliced strawberries.
Pour the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping. You can also experiment with different fruit flavors.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: dessert, salad, strawberry, pretzel, potluck, picnic