Description

Craving a dessert that’s the perfect blend of sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity? This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a classic no-bake treat with a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy cheese layer, and a vibrant strawberry Jell-O topping. Ideal for potlucks, summer gatherings, or family dinners, this Midwest favorite is as eye-catching as it is delicious

Ingredients

Scale

With nine ingredients, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Use quality frozen strawberries for the best Jell-O layer.

2 cups (about 200 g) crushed pretzels: Create a salty, crunchy crust.
¾ cup (170 g) butter, melted: Binds the pretzel crust for a rich, crisp base.
3 tablespoons (37 g) white sugar: Sweetens the crust slightly.
1 (8-ounce / 226 g) package cream cheese, softened: Forms a creamy, tangy layer.
1 cup (200 g) white sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
1 (8-ounce / 226 g) container frozen whipped topping, thawed: Adds lightness to the cream layer.
2 (3-ounce / 85 g each) packages strawberry-flavored Jell-O: Provides a vibrant, fruity topping.
2 cups (480 mL) boiling water: Dissolves the Jell-O.
2 (10-ounce / 283 g each) packages frozen strawberries: Add juicy, tart flavor to the Jell-O layer.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping (e.g., coconut whipped cream), and vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free: Swap pretzels for gluten-free pretzels and ensure Jell-O is gluten-free.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar in the crust to 2 tablespoons, in the cream layer to ¾ cup (150 g), and use sugar-free Jell-O.
- Fruit Swap: Replace frozen strawberries with frozen raspberries or mixed berries for a different flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese layer or 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the Jell-O for extra zing.

Why These Ingredients Matter: The pretzels provide a salty crunch, the cream cheese and whipped topping create a smooth, sweet layer, and the strawberry Jell-O with frozen strawberries delivers a refreshing, fruity finish.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Crust

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups crushed pretzels, ¾ cup melted butter, and 3 tablespoons white sugar until well-combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until set, then set aside to cool completely (about 20–30 minutes).
Tip: Crush pretzels to a coarse texture (not too fine) for a crunchy crust, and ensure the butter is evenly mixed for a solid base.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, beat 1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese with 1 cup white sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Fold in 1 (8-ounce) container thawed whipped topping with a spatula until fully combined and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring it reaches the edges to seal the crust.
Tip: Ensure the crust is completely cool before spreading the cream layer to prevent melting, and spread to the edges to keep the Jell-O from seeping through.

Step 3: Prepare the Jell-O Layer

In a large bowl, dissolve 2 (3-ounce) packages strawberry-flavored Jell-O in 2 cups boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved, about 1–2 minutes.
Stir in 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen strawberries (still frozen) and let the mixture set briefly until slightly thickened, about 5–10 minutes.
Tip: Use frozen strawberries to help the Jell-O set faster, and stir gently to avoid breaking the berries.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Pour and spread the Jell-O mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the Jell-O is fully set, at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
Tip: Pour the Jell-O slowly to avoid disturbing the cream layer, and ensure the cream layer is thick enough to support the Jell-O.

Step 5: Serve

Slice into 12 squares and serve chilled, straight from the fridge.
Tip: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean cuts, and garnish with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for extra flair.