What ingredients do I need to make Strawberry Pretzel Salad?

To make Strawberry Pretzel Salad, you need crushed pretzels, sugar, melted butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), fresh or frozen strawberries, and strawberry gelatin mix. The pretzel crust forms a crunchy base, topped with a creamy layer made from cream cheese and whipped topping, followed by a strawberry gelatin layer with fresh strawberries on top.

How do I prevent the pretzel crust from getting soggy in Strawberry Pretzel Salad?

To keep the pretzel crust crisp, mix crushed pretzels with sugar and melted butter, then press firmly into the pan and bake briefly before adding the cream cheese layer. When spreading the cream cheese mixture, seal it completely to the edges so strawberry gelatin doesn’t seep down and soften the crust.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen for Strawberry Pretzel Salad?

Yes, fresh strawberries work well in this recipe. Slice them and gently fold them into the dissolved strawberry gelatin before pouring the mixture over the cream layer. Fresh strawberries offer a bright flavor and better texture compared to frozen ones.

How long does Strawberry Pretzel Salad need to chill before serving?

It’s best to chill Strawberry Pretzel Salad for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the gelatin to fully set and the layers to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

Can I prepare Strawberry Pretzel Salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Keep it covered tightly to prevent the whipped topping from drying out and to maintain its texture.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe With Creamy Filling And Crunchy Crust

Name: Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Prep time: 4 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 cups crushed pretzels; – 3/4 cup melted butter; – 3 tablespoons white sugar; – 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; – 1 cup white sugar; – 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed; – 6 ounces strawberry gelatin (two 3-ounce packages); – 2 cups boiling water; – 20 ounces frozen strawberries (two 10-ounce packages)

Description

🍓 Experience the perfect blend of creamy filling and crunchy crust in this Strawberry Pretzel Salad.
🥧 This refreshing dessert combines tangy strawberries with a rich cream cheese layer and a crispy pretzel base for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

– 2 cups crushed pretzels

– 3/4 cup melted butter

– 3 tablespoons white sugar

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

– 1 cup white sugar

– 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed

– 6 ounces strawberry gelatin (two 3-ounce packages)

– 2 cups boiling water

– 20 ounces frozen strawberries (two 10-ounce packages)

Instructions

1-Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to set the stage for a golden pretzel base. Combine the 2 cups crushed pretzels with 3/4 cup melted butter and 3 tablespoons white sugar, then press this mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake it for 8-10 minutes until it sets, and let it cool completely to maintain its crunch.

2-Next, in a mixing bowl, cream together 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1 cup white sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in 8 ounces thawed frozen whipped topping to add lightness and volume. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges to prevent any sogginess from the upcoming layer.

3-Dissolve 6 ounces strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water, stirring until fully mixed. Then, stir in 20 ounces frozen strawberries and let the mixture sit until it thickens slightly, resembling egg whites for the best texture. Pour this over the cream cheese layer carefully to keep the layers distinct.

4-Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours to let everything set properly, resulting in a firm, sliceable dessert.

Notes

🥨 For a crunchier crust, ensure pretzels are finely crushed.
❄️ Chill cream cheese layer for 15 minutes before adding gelatin to prevent sogginess.
⏳ Let the gelatin mixture partially set before pouring to avoid it sinking into the cream layer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking and chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice

Keywords: Strawberry pretzel salad, creamy dessert, crunchy crust, layered salad