A sweet and salty dessert salad with layers of crushed pretzels, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries, topped with strawberry gelatin. This dessert is the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and fruity, making it a crowd favorite for any gathering.
Quick Description
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delicious layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet strawberry topping. It’s an irresistible combination of textures and flavors, perfect for a light yet indulgent treat.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 8–10 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours
Approx. Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 250
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Ingredients List
For the Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (use unsalted pretzels for a less salty crust)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the tartness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the crust
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the pretzels are fully coated with butter and sugar.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
2. Make the filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
Fold in the whipped topping, mixing gently until smooth and fluffy.
3. Assemble the layers
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Use a spatula to smooth the filling into an even layer.
Top with fresh sliced strawberries.
4. Prepare the topping
In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved, then let it cool for a few minutes.
Pour the gelatin mixture over the strawberries, making sure it covers the entire top layer evenly. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until the gelatin has set.
5. Serve
Once chilled and set, cut the Strawberry Pretzel Salad into squares and serve chilled. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and fruity makes each bite irresistible.
