top of page
Search

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

  • Writer: Stephanie Hamley
    Stephanie Hamley
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

This delightful Strawberry Pretzel Salad features the irresistible combination of sweet cream cheese, salty pretzels, and fresh, vibrant strawberries. This layered strawberry pretzel dessert is a favorite among both adults and children.


strawberry pretzel salad on white plate
strawberry pretzel salad

It’s easy to make a day ahead and is served right out of the fridge. This creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty Strawberry Pretzel Salad has a little of everything in a single bite, and requires just a few staple ingredients.


Pantry Items

  • Strawberry Jell-O – get the larger 6-oz box. Make sure to follow my recipe instructions for adding water and NOT the box instructions. If you use too much water, it won’t set properly.

  • Pretzels – salted, small sticks or mini pretzels are easiest to crush. The amount of whole pretzels can vary depending on the type you use; about 4 cups of whole pretzels will yield 2 cups coarsely crushed.

  • Cream cheese – soften so it mixes well – Tip: place unopened package in warm water for 15 minutes to warm quickly.

  • Cool Whip – 1 tub, thawed in refrigerator – see my notes below for substituting

  • Strawberries – Fresh sliced strawberries work best, but you can use thawed and drained frozen strawberries.

  • Pantry staples – sugar and unsalted butter


Equipment

Cutting Board

Knife


Recipe


Strawberry Jell-O Layer

  • 6 oz strawberry Jell-O

  • 2 cups boiling water


Pretzel Crust Layer

  • 12 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 cups crushed salted pretzels, (about 4 cups whole pretzels)


Cream Cheese Fluff Layer

  • 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


How to make it


Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.


Jell-O Layer

  1. Dissolve – Combine strawberry Jell-O with 2 cups boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature.


Pretzel Layer

  1. Crush pretzels in a sturdy ziploc bag, using a rolling pin.

  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 12 Tbsp butter, then add 1/4 cup sugar and stir. Mix in crushed pretzels.

  3. Transfer to a 13×9 glass casserole dish, pressing the pretzel mix evenly over the bottom of the dish, and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F, then cool to room temperature.


Cream Cheese Fluff Layer

  1. When pretzels have cooled, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar on med/high speed until fluffy and white.

  2. Fold in 8 oz Cool Whip until no streaks of cream cheese remain.

  3. Spread mixture over cooled pretzels, spreading to the edges of the dish to create a tight seal. Refrigerate 30 min.


Fruit Topping Layer

  1. Fruit – Hull and slice 1 lb strawberries, then stir them into your room temperature Jell-O.

  2. Pour and spread the strawberry Jell-O mixture evenly over your cooled cream cheese layer and refrigerate until Jell-O is set (2-4 hours).


Notes


  1. Make Ahead – Make the dessert and cover with plastic wrap. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours but can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

  2. Storage – Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. This recipe does not keep well in the freezer.

  3. Substitute for Cool Whip* – Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 Tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. You’ll need to increase the sugar in the cream cheese to 2/3 cup sugar. Whipped cream will make the pretzel layer softer and take longer to set. Let it chill in refrigerator for 4-6 hours and serve within 24 hours.

  4. Fruit - I've made this using blueberries, mixed berries, raspberries, peaches, etc. Just match the fruit with that flavor Jell-O. This will NOT work with PINEAPPLE. The acid from the fruit will not allow the Jell-O to set.


Watch me Make it Here



Special Tools & Equipment Links:

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. 😁 This is not a sponsored post. Thank you for your support ❤️


Measuring Cups: https://amzn.to/441byL7

Measuring Spoons: https://amzn.to/44BEObs

Offset Spatula: https://amzn.to/3RcNsZQ

Food Processor https://amzn.to/43hj5od

9”x13” pan: https://amzn.to/4jMHCXQ



Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating
bottom of page