Strawberry Pretzel Salad, a unique blend of sweet and salty flavors, is the perfect dessert to impress at any gathering. The dish layers crunchy pretzels with a creamy filling and a vibrant strawberry topping, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that are sure to delight. This recipe not only offers a delightful contrast in flavors but also in temperatures, with a chilled creamy center and juicy, fresh strawberries.
This delightful dessert starts with a crispy pretzel base, which provides a salty crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweet and creamy layers above. The process involves baking the crushed pretzels with butter and a touch of sugar, creating a firm foundation that holds up the luscious cream cheese and Cool Whip layer. Each bite offers a satisfying snap, followed by smooth, sweet creaminess.
Finishing off this masterpiece is a bright layer of strawberry Jell-O studded with fresh strawberry slices. This top layer not only adds a fresh burst of fruit flavor but also makes the dessert visually appealing with its vibrant red hue. It’s an ideal dessert for summer picnics, potlucks, or a special family dinner. Now, let’s dive into preparing this delightful treat.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad – The Ultimate Sweet and Salty Dessert Delight
Ingredients:
- 6 oz strawberry Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 1/2 cups salted pretzels, measured before crushing
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed in the fridge
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Jell-O:
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine strawberry Jell-O with 2 cups boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Pretzel Base:
- Crush 2 1/2 cups of pretzels in a sturdy ziplock bag using a rolling pin.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 8 Tbsp butter, then add 1/4 cup sugar and stir until well combined.
- Mix in the crushed pretzels and transfer to a 13×9 inch glass casserole dish, pressing the pretzel mix evenly over the bottom. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool to room temperature.
- Cream Cheese Layer:
- Using an electric hand mixer, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar on medium/high speed until fluffy and white.
- Fold in 8 oz Cool Whip until no streaks of cream cheese remain.
- Spread the mixture over the cooled pretzel base, spreading to the edges of the dish to create a tight seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Add Strawberries and Jell-O:
- Hull and slice 1 lb of strawberries then stir them into your room-temperature Jell-O.
- Pour and spread the strawberry Jell-O mixture evenly over the cooled cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate until the Jell-O is set, about 2-4 hours.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 12 slices
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a playful and delicious way to bring something different to your dessert table. Enjoy the combination of textures and the delightful contrast between salty and sweet.
