Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful symphony of flavors? The Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad is a nostalgic classic that combines the crunch of salty pretzels, the creaminess of a luscious filling, and the refreshing sweetness of strawberries—all in one stunning dish! Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to create a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 package strawberry Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the pretzels are evenly coated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until lightly golden and set.
- Remove the pretzel crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This will help the crust become crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined, creating a creamy filling.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges completely to prevent the Jell-O layer from seeping through.
- In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes.
- Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the slightly cooled Jell-O mixture. Carefully pour this layer over the cream cheese layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the Jell-O to set completely and the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, let the dessert sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with additional whipped cream or fresh strawberries.
Tips
- Crush Pretzels Evenly: For the best texture, crush the pretzels to a uniform size. You can use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Cool the Crust Completely: Allow the pretzel crust to cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer. This ensures a crisp base and prevents the layers from mixing.
- Beat Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. Beat it until smooth to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Let Jell-O Cool: After dissolving the Jell-O, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before adding the strawberries. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Refrigerate Overnight: For the best results, let the dessert set in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a perfect slice.
- Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 50mg
