Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. Despite its name, it’s more of a dessert than a salad, featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and a refreshing strawberry Jell-O topping. This dish is a favorite at gatherings and potlucks, offering a unique texture and taste that keeps people coming back for more.
Ingredients:
For the Pretzel Crust:
- 2 ½ cups salted pretzels, crushed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 6 oz strawberry Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush the pretzels using a rolling pin inside a sturdy zip-top bag until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and mix in ¼ cup sugar. Stir in the crushed pretzels until well coated.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch glass casserole dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined, ensuring no streaks remain.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges to prevent the Jell-O from seeping through.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the layer to set.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Allow the Jell-O mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the sliced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- Pour the strawberry Jell-O mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Refrigerate for 2-4 hours, or until the Jell-O is fully set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once fully set, slice into squares and serve chilled.
- Optionally, garnish with additional whipped cream or fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a showstopper at any event, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The salty crunch of the pretzel crust, the creamy richness of the filling, and the fruity freshness of the strawberry topping make it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re making it for a summer picnic or a holiday gathering, this dessert is sure to impress!
Would you like variations or tips on how to make it even more indulgent? 😊