It’s called Strawberry Pretzel Salad, but it is really a dessert. There are three delicious layers that come together and satisfy your sweet and salty cravings at the same time. How is that even possible? Let me tell you! The bottom layer is an easy-to-make pretzel crust. That’s the salty. The middle layer is a fluffy layer made with whipped dairy topping and cream cheese. Top it all off with a layer of sweet strawberries and strawberry gelatin.
I was introduced to this pretzel Jello dessert at a potluck. This is my first time making it for myself. I thought this would make a pretty Valentine’s Day dessert because of the red strawberries. I would call it a no-bake dessert, except that you do have to bake the pretzel crust for 10 minutes. The strawberry and cream layers are no bake.
The pretzel crust needs time to cool before you layer on the creamy middle layer. And then you need to let those 2 layers set in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before adding the strawberry Jello top layer. And THEN the whole thing needs to set in the refrigerator at least an hour in order for the Jello to set properly before serving. Once it is ready to serve, slice it into squares or triangles like a pie.
So a Strawberry Pretzel Salad is really not hard to make. There’s just a little bit of downtime waiting for the layers to cool and set before you can actually enjoy your dessert!
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups pretzels, crushed finely in a food processor
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 4 Tablespoons Sugar
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tub frozen whipped topping (8 oz. Cool Whip), thawed
- 2 small (3 oz) boxes of strawberry gelatin (Jello)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen strawberries
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter and 4 T. sugar in a bowl. Press mixture into an even layer in a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Bake pretzel crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly toasted. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
3. Combine cream cheese and 1 cup sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Fold in whipped topping.
4. Spread an even layer on top of the pretzel crust. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
5. Bring 2 cups of water to boil. Stir in gelatin until fully dissolved. Add frozen strawberries and continue to stir on medium low heat for about 5 minutes.
6. Carefully spread strawberry Jello layer on top of the creamy layer. Refrigerate until set (at least an hour).
Have you ever had a pretzel jello dessert? Do you crave salty and sweet? This pretzel strawberry dessert could be the one for you! Let me know what you think if you try it.
shelly peterson says
We absolutely love this dessert! I made this for Easter and it was a big hit as usual. I wish I had some right now lol
Nicole says
Me too! It’s time for me to make it again.
JR FrugalMom says
This looks soooo good! The sweetness, the saltiness combined with the freshness of the strawberries… I can see how it would work.
Birdiebee says
This recipe looks so divine. I can’t wait to make this one for my granddaughter as she loves strawberries and pretzels.
Nicole Dziedzic says
At first look it kind of looks like cheesecake. The pretzel crust looking really interesting. Great sweet treat for a dessert, going to have to make this one when my parents come over next weekend.
Janet W. says
Yum! Those fresh strawberries look so delicious! This might be the new favorite dessert in our household!
Julie Wood says
I like sweet and salty desserts and this is such a pretty dessert that I would love to make. It looks easy to make and I like the sound of a pretzel crust!
Laurie P says
Well this is different, and something I could easily get hooked on!
Thanks for sharing!