Description

Ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and creamy? Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a beloved retro dish, layering a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheese filling, and vibrant strawberry Jell-O topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or summer gatherings, this dessert is as nostalgic as it is delicious

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pretzel Crust:

¾ cup butter, softened: Binds the pretzels for a rich, crunchy base.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
2 ½ cups crushed pretzels: Provides a salty, crunchy foundation.

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese: Creates a rich, tangy filling.
1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the creamy layer.
1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed: Lightens the filling for a fluffy texture.

For the Strawberry Jell-O Layer:

1 (6-ounce) package strawberry flavored Jell-O®: Forms the vibrant, fruity topping.
2 cups boiling water: Dissolves the Jell-O for a smooth gel.
3 cups strawberries, chilled: Adds fresh, juicy flavor (fresh or frozen, thawed).

Why These Ingredients Matter

Crushed Pretzels: Provide a salty crunch that contrasts the sweet layers.
Cream Cheese and Whipped Topping: Create a creamy, fluffy layer that balances the tart Jell-O.
Strawberry Jell-O and Strawberries: Deliver a bright, fruity topping that ties the dessert together.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note to the crust, enhancing the salty-sweet balance.

Substitutions and Variations

Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Pretzels: Substitute with crushed graham crackers or saltine crackers for a different crunch (though less salty).
Cream Cheese: Use light cream cheese for a less rich filling or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Whipped Topping: Replace with homemade whipped cream (whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar) or a dairy-free whipped topping.
Strawberries: Use raspberries or mixed berries with corresponding Jell-O flavors for a variation.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, and ensure Jell-O is vegan-friendly (or use a plant-based gelatin alternative).
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels and verify Jell-O is gluten-free.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather ¾ cup softened butter, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 ½ cups crushed pretzels, 1 (6-ounce) package strawberry Jell-O, 2 cups boiling water, 3 cups chilled strawberries, 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, 1 cup white sugar, and 1 (8-ounce) container thawed frozen whipped topping.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Tip: Crush pretzels in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for even crumbs, leaving some texture for crunch.

Step 2: Make the Pretzel Crust

In a medium bowl, cream ¾ cup softened butter with 3 tablespoons brown sugar until well combined.
Mix in 2 ½ cups crushed pretzels until evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan to form an even crust.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.

Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust firmly for a compact, even layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Jell-O Layer

In a medium bowl, dissolve 1 (6-ounce) package strawberry Jell-O in 2 cups boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
Stir in 3 cups chilled strawberries (fresh or thawed frozen).
Chill the Jell-O mixture in the refrigerator until partially thickened, about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from setting completely.

Tip: Slice fresh strawberries for a neater look, or use whole for a rustic style; ensure frozen strawberries are fully thawed and drained.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a small bowl, beat 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese with 1 cup white sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
Fold in 1 (8-ounce) container thawed whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges to prevent Jell-O from seeping through.

Tip: Spread the cream cheese layer carefully to create a smooth, even surface that supports the Jell-O.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Once the Jell-O mixture is partially thickened (like a soft gel), carefully pour it over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.
Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2-3 hours, or until the Jell-O is fully firm.

Tip: Pour the Jell-O slowly to avoid disturbing the cream cheese layer, and tilt the pan to spread evenly if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Slice into 10 pieces and serve chilled, showcasing the vibrant layers.

Tip: Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat, layered slices.