Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a classic sweet-and-salty dessert that combines a buttery pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake-like filling, and a sweet, tangy strawberry topping. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any special occasion. Despite its name, it’s actually more of a dessert than a salad, but it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Here’s a recipe for Strawberry Pretzel Salad:
Ingredients:
For the Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs (about 2 cups of crushed pretzels)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Creamy Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 (6 oz) box strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (or you can use frozen strawberries, thawed and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the pretzels are well coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even crust layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
2. Make the Creamy Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Be gentle so that it doesn’t disturb the pretzel crust too much.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature, and then add the sliced fresh strawberries. Stir to combine.
- Pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
4. Chill:
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 3-4 hours or until fully set. For best results, let it chill overnight.
5. Serve:
- Once set, slice into squares and serve! The layers should be firm and hold together nicely when sliced.
Tips:
- For a firmer topping: If you prefer the strawberry layer to be firmer, you can reduce the amount of water used to dissolve the gelatin by about 1/4 cup.
- Use frozen strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the topping.
- Pretzel Crust Variations: You can also add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the pretzel crust for a slightly richer flavor.
- Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making ahead since it needs time to chill and set.
Enjoy!
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy, making it a delicious treat for any gathering!
