Strawberry pretzel salad

What is a family favorite dessert?What is strawberry pretzel salad?Is it more exciting than the name suggests? I know “salad” might throw you off when we’re talking dessert, but think of it like this: What’s like a Strawberry Cheesecake, but with salty-sweet pretzel crust? Just makes it. I make this for every potluck and holiday gathering!

What is strawberry pretzel salad?

Do not let the name fool you, this is not your typical leafy green situation!Strawberry pretzel salad: What are someis a layered dessert that’s all about that perfect sweet-and-salty balance. Think of it as a trifecta of deliciousness. What’s the secret to a creamy pretzel crust? What’s not to love about this strawberry layer? It’s summer in a dish, even if you make it in the middle of winter. My grandma used to call it “pink fluff dream” which, honestly, might be a better name!

How do I make strawberry pretzel salad?

Quick Overview

Making this Strawberry pretzel salad: What are someIs it easier than you think? How do you make a salty pretzel crust, whip up Whipped Cream, and top it off with some chopped nuts? All off with a sweet strawberry layer. What is the best part? No fancy equipment required. Just a little bit of patience while the crust bakes and the salad chills, and you’ll be rewarded. With a dessert that’s sure to impress. I always feel special when I make this, even though it’s ridiculously simple.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Crust: What is the

• 2 cups crushed pretzels (I prefer the small pretz sticks, but the twists work too) (Sugary).
• 34 cup (1 12 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, 1-1/4 cup (
• 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. 4

Make sure you crush the pretzels finely for an even crust. I usually put them in zip-top bags and crush them with a rolling pin. I don’t like to do this. Is it safe to use a food processor?

What is the cream cheese filling?

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
• 1 cup granulated sugar per cup.
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)

What are some ways to soften Cream Cheese? I usually leave it out on the counter for about an hour before I start. What makes the filling so light and airy?

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 package of strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O) is 6 ounces.
• 2 cups boiling water is enough for 2 people.
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen sliced strawberries, partially thawed.

What is the best way to thaw strawberries? You want them to be soft enough to release their juices, but still slightly frozen so they don’t freeze. How do you dissolve gelatin into a liquid? If you’re using fresh strawberries, you might want to add a little extra sugar to the gelatin. How sweet they are depends on how sweet you like them.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Can you use cooking spray, butter, or even line it with parchment paper for easy removal? Is there a way to remove sand from your clothes?

Step 2: Make the Pretzel Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Set aside. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. What should I do with the mixture if I want to use it in a baking dish? You want it to be compact and even, so use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to really work.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

What are some ways to bake pretzels for 10 minutes? This step is important because it sets the crust and gives it that nice, golden-brown color. Keep an eye on it, because it can burn easily. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling. I usually pop it in the fridge to speed up the process.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat the Cream Cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps! Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well combined. If you overmix the whipped topping, be careful not to over mix it. I always do this by hand to keep it light and airy.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Make sure it reaches all the edges! In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in the boiling water. Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Add the partially thawed strawberries to the gelatin mixture and stir gently. How do you pour the cream cheese filling over the strawberry mixture? How do you prevent filling from melting and creating soggy mess? I usually let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Chill

Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese filling. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the gelatin to set completely and the flavors to meld together. Is it worth the wait?

Step 7: Serve

Once the What is strawberry pretzel salad?is set, cut it into squares and serve. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish it with extra strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream. Is it really that good?

What should I serve it with?

This Strawberry pretzel salad: What is theWhat are some ideas to make a dinner extra special?

For a Brunch:Serve alongside a mimosa bar, quiche, and fruit platter. The salty-sweetness of the salad complements the other brunch items beautifully. I like to use pretty glass dishes to elevate the presentation.

As Dessert: This is the perfect light and refreshing dessert after a heavier meal. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra-indulgent treat.

For a Picnic: Pack it in a container with a lid and bring it to your next picnic or potluck. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser. Just make sure to keep it chilled until serving!

For Holiday gatherings: I have seen many variations of this dish for holiday get togethers. For example, you can easily add blueberries and blackberries with the strawberries for a July 4th barbecue!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the perfect strawberry pretzel salad. Here are my top tips:

Pretzel Prep: Don’t over-process the pretzels. You want them to be finely crushed, but not turned into dust. The slightly larger pieces add a nice texture to the crust.

Cream Cheese Softening: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened. This will prevent lumps in the filling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

Strawberry Gelatin: Let the strawberry mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the cream cheese filling. This will prevent the filling from melting and creating a soggy mess. I usually let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Strawberry Amount: Feel free to adjust the amount of strawberries to your liking. If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add more. You can also use fresh strawberries instead of frozen, but you might want to add a little extra sugar to the gelatin mixture, depending on how sweet they are.

Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the pretzel crust while it’s baking. It can burn easily. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil.

Ingredient Swaps: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients! You can use different flavors of gelatin, different fruits for the topping, or even different types of pretzels for the crust. The possibilities are endless!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the strawberry pretzel salad in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. After that, the pretzel crust may start to get a little soggy.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the cream cheese filling and the pretzel crust can change. However, if you really want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving: Serve chilled!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This strawberry pretzel salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a slice of nostalgia, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet, salty, and creamy is simply irresistible, and the fact that it’s so easy to make is just a bonus. I truly hope you give this recipe a try – I know you’ll love it as much as my family does! If you’re a fan of layered desserts or sweet-and-salty combinations, you might also enjoy my no-bake peanut butter pie or my salted caramel brownies. And if you do make this, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share your own variations. Happy baking (or, in this case, assembling)!

Strawberry pretzel salad

A sweet and salty dessert salad with layers of pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Rate Pin Share Recipe Print Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Pretzel Crust

• 2 cups Pretzel twists Crushed finely
• 0.75 cup Melted butter Unsalted
• 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 ounces Cream cheese Softened
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 12 ounces Whipped topping Thawed

Strawberry Layer

• 1 package Strawberry gelatin 3 ounce
• 2 cups Boiling water
• 4 cups Fresh strawberries Sliced

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
• Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
• Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled pretzel crust.
• In a separate bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir in sliced strawberries.
• Pour strawberry mixture over cream cheese layer.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

Notes

Optional: Garnish with additional sliced strawberries or whipped cream before serving.