Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a beloved layered dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. With a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy cream cheese center, and a fresh strawberry Jell-O topping, this retro dish is ideal for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings. Its vibrant layers and refreshing taste make it a crowd-pleasing favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pretzelsunsalted buttergranulated sugarsugarcream cheesewhipped topping (like Cool Whip)strawberry gelatin mix (Jell-O)boiling watercold waterfresh strawberries

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Crush the pretzels into small pieces and combine with melted butter and sugar in a bowl.

Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish to form an even crust.

Bake for 10 minutes, then allow the crust to cool completely.

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully combined.

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges to prevent the gelatin from seeping through.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then stir in cold water.

Let the gelatin cool to room temperature, then mix in sliced fresh strawberries.

Gently pour the strawberry mixture over the cream layer and refrigerate until fully set, about 4-6 hours or overnight.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 10 minutesChilling time: 4-6 hoursTotal time: 4.5-6.5 hours

Variations

Substitute raspberries and raspberry gelatin for a berry twist.

Use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter version.

Add crushed pineapple to the cream cheese layer for extra sweetness.

Top with additional whipped cream and whole strawberries before serving.

Make mini versions in individual cups for easy serving at parties.

storage/reheating

Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Do not freeze, as the texture of the cream and gelatin layers will be affected.Serve chilled directly from the fridge for best results.

FAQs

Why is it called a salad?

It’s a retro term—this dish is more of a dessert, but the layered format and use of fruit earned it the “salad” label.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made the night before to allow the layers to fully set.

Why did my crust get soggy?

Make sure the cream cheese layer completely covers the pretzel crust to prevent gelatin from seeping through.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain them before mixing with the gelatin.

Is there a non-dairy version?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives to make it dairy-free.

Can I use fresh whipped cream?

Yes, just make sure it’s stabilized so it doesn’t break down when chilled.

Do I have to bake the crust?

Yes, baking helps it set and gives the dish its signature crunch.

What if my gelatin doesn’t set?

Make sure to let the gelatin cool before pouring, and chill the dish long enough—at least 4 hours.

Can I use a different base?

Graham crackers or vanilla wafers can be used, but the salty-sweet contrast from pretzels is key.

Can I use a different fruit?

Yes, try blueberries, peaches, or mixed berries with matching gelatin flavors.

Conclusion

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a nostalgic, flavorful dessert that brings a perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and fruity freshness. Its striking layers and satisfying texture make it a go-to treat for gatherings, holidays, and summer parties. Once you try this sweet and salty classic, it’s sure to become a staple in your dessert lineup.

Print