Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Introduction

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a dessert that never fails to impress at family gatherings or potlucks. I first encountered this treat years ago, and I was immediately captivated by the contrast between the crunchy pretzel crust, the creamy cream cheese layer, and the sweet, tangy strawberry Jell-O topping. It’s a fun, layered dessert that combines sweet and salty flavors in a way that leaves everyone asking for the recipe. My family absolutely loves it, and I often find myself making it for every holiday or special occasion. It’s easy to prepare, and the vibrant strawberries and creamy layers make it as beautiful as it is delicious. If you haven’t tried Strawberry Pretzel Salad yet, now is the time!

Ingredients

For the Jell-O layer:

• 2 cups boiling water
• 6 oz strawberry Jell-O mix
• 16 oz strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled and sliced)

For the pretzel layer:

• 2 ½ cups salted pretzels (measured before crushing)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

For the cream cheese/whipped cream layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed in the refrigerator

Instructions

For the Jell-O layer:

1. Add the strawberry Jell-O mix to a small bowl. Pour in the 2 cups of boiling water and whisk until the Jell-O is completely dissolved.
2. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, set aside while you prepare the other layers.

For the pretzel layer:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the pretzels in a zip-top bag. Using a mallet or rolling pin, crush the pretzels into small crumbles.
3. In a small saucepot, add the butter and sugar. Heat on medium, stirring occasionally to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar.
4. Once the butter has melted, remove the saucepot from heat and add the crushed pretzels. Stir to combine the pretzels with the melted butter and sugar.
5. Pour the pretzel mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the mixture down firmly to form an even layer on the bottom of the dish.
6. Bake the pretzel layer for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

For the cream cheese/whipped cream layer:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Use a spoon or spatula to fold the thawed Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture, mixing until no white streaks remain.
3. Once the pretzel crust has cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese/Cool Whip mixture over the pretzels, making sure to create a seal around the edges of the baking dish so the Jell-O doesn’t seep through.
4. Refrigerate this layer for 30 minutes to set.

Putting it all together:

1. Once the cream cheese layer has chilled, evenly distribute the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
2. Slowly and evenly pour the Jell-O mixture over the strawberries, making sure to fill the dish but not overflow it. If your dish is not deep enough, you may need to omit some of the Jell-O mixture to avoid spilling.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, or until the Jell-O is fully set.

Serve: After the Jell-O has set, slice the Strawberry Pretzel Salad into square portions and serve cold. Keep the remaining dessert in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12 servings (approximately)
• Calories per serving: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding chilling time)

How to Serve

• Chilled Dessert: Serve as a chilled dessert, cut into squares.
• Garnish: Add extra fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch.
• For Special Occasions: This dessert is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
• Make Ahead: Make it the night before your event and refrigerate it overnight for a hassle-free dessert.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Strawberries: While frozen strawberries can be used, fresh strawberries give the salad a brighter flavor and vibrant color.
2. Don’t Skip Chilling Time: Make sure to refrigerate each layer to set properly. This is key for achieving the perfect texture in your dessert.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the cream cheese layer before adding the Cool Whip to ensure it’s sweet enough. You can add extra sugar if needed.
4. Check the Depth of Your Dish: If your baking dish is not deep enough, be cautious when pouring the Jell-O to avoid overflowing.
5. Add a Nutty Twist: For some crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) on top before serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Peach Pretzel Salad: Swap the strawberry Jell-O for peach Jell-O and use fresh peach slices for a different fruity twist.
2. Raspberry Pretzel Salad: Replace the strawberries with fresh raspberries and use raspberry Jell-O to make a variation of the classic.
3. Lime Pretzel Salad: For a tart, refreshing flavor, try lime Jell-O with fresh lime zest and mint leaves on top.
4. Berry Mix: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a mixed berry version of the salad.
5. Vegan Pretzel Salad: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free whipped topping for a plant-based version of this dessert.

Serving Suggestions

• Barbecue Side: This sweet and salty dessert pairs well with grilled meats, making it the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ.
• Holiday Treat: Serve it during the holidays for a festive and colorful addition to your dessert table.
• As a Refreshing Snack: Enjoy it as a midday treat when you’re craving something cool and refreshing.
• Alongside Ice Cream: Pair a square of Strawberry Pretzel Salad with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent treat.
• With a Glass of Sweet Tea: This dessert pairs beautifully with a tall glass of freshly brewed sweet tea for a Southern-inspired meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While the pretzel crust can be frozen, the cream cheese and Jell-O layers don’t freeze well, so it’s best to make this dessert fresh or store it refrigerated.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dessert the day before your event and let it chill overnight to save time on the day you plan to serve it.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use sugar-free Jell-O for this recipe?
Yes, sugar-free Jell-O can be used if you’re looking to reduce sugar content. The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture and overall result will still be great.

2. Can I use a different type of whipped topping?
Yes, you can use any type of whipped topping, but Cool Whip is the traditional choice and provides the best texture for this recipe.

3. How long does it take for the Jell-O to set?
It takes about 2-4 hours for the Jell-O to set fully in the refrigerator. If you have more time, you can chill it overnight.

4. Can I make this dessert without the pretzel crust?
You could skip the pretzel crust, but it will no longer be the same dessert. The pretzel layer adds an essential sweet and salty crunch that balances the creamy layers.

5. Can I use another type of fruit for the Jell-O?
Absolutely! You can use other flavors of Jell-O, such as orange, lime, or raspberry, and pair them with corresponding fruits for a different variation of the dessert.

6. Is this dessert gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this dessert is not gluten-free because of the pretzel layer. However, you can use gluten-free pretzels to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

7. Can I make this in individual servings?
Yes, you can make individual servings by layering the ingredients in small bowls or cups, and then chilling them.

8. How do I prevent the Jell-O from seeping through the cream cheese layer?
Ensure the cream cheese layer is evenly spread and seals around the edges of the dish. Refriger

ating the layers properly before adding the Jell-O also helps maintain clean layers.

9. Can I substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?
Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. Just make sure it’s lightly sweetened and well-beaten.

10. Can I use light or fat-free ingredients?
Yes, light cream cheese, fat-free sour cream, and low-fat whipped topping can be used, but the texture and taste may differ slightly from the full-fat version.

Conclusion

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a fun and delicious dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and salty layers of pretzels, creamy whipped topping, and vibrant strawberry Jell-O, this dessert will quickly become a crowd favorite. Whether served at a summer barbecue or as a special treat for the holidays, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Print