Strawberry Pretzel Salad: A Sweet and Salty Delight
Introduction
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a breeze to whip up! This dessert features a salty pretzel crust filled with a creamy, sweet, no-bake cream cheese layer, topped with an irresistible strawberry layer. This layered delight is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
The Best Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
There’s always been a debate about calling this a “salad” since it resembles a dessert bar more than anything else. While I didn’t coin the name, it’s a nostalgic nod to the dessert salads my grandma used to make. Whatever you decide to call it, with its crushed pretzels, creamy cheese, and sweet strawberries, you’ll be smitten!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry pretzel Jello salad is a year-round favorite in my home, and here’s why your family will love it too:
- Great Texture: Crunchy pretzels, silky cream cheese, and juicy strawberries make a divine combination!
- Sweet and Salty: With a buttery, salty crust, sugary cream cheese filling, and jiggly strawberry jello topping, it’s the perfect sweet and salty treat!
- Quick and Easy: Just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, then let the fridge do the rest!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups salted pretzels, crushed
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Topping:
- 6-ounce package strawberry Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Jello:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a bowl, whisk together the Jell-O and boiling water until completely dissolved. Stir in the strawberries and place in the refrigerator. - Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool on a rack. - Prepare the Filling:
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping. Spread this over the cooled crust. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes. - Add the Topping:
Carefully spoon the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or until firm.
Tips and Variations
- Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, defrost and drain frozen ones. You can also mix in other fruits if desired.
- Crushing Pretzels: Use a food processor or a zip-loc bag with a rolling pin to crush the pretzels.
- Refrigerate Each Layer: Let each layer cool before adding the next to prevent melting.
- Flavor Variations: Try different berries and Jell-O flavors, like orange Jell-O with mandarin oranges, or check out our Raspberry Pretzel Salad.
Storage
- To Store: Keep the Strawberry Pretzel Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days, though it probably won’t last that long!
Conclusion
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad combines textures and flavors in a way that makes it irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy layers all in one bite!
