Recipe for Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Yummy Strawberry Pretzel Salad 🍓🥨

Introduction

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that combines sweet and salty flavors in a fun and refreshing way. This dish has layers of crushed pretzels, creamy filling, and fruity strawberry jello that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something special, this recipe is a great choice to impress family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is perfect for many occasions, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. Its unique flavor combination is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy fresh strawberries during the season. The prep time is quick, but the chilling time makes the waiting worthwhile. It’s a dessert that looks impressive but is easy to make!

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

You can create this delicious Strawberry Pretzel Salad by following some simple steps. Gather your ingredients and let’s get started!

Ingredients:

2½ cups crushed pretzels
1½ cups sugar, divided
¾ cup butter, melted
12 ounces cream cheese
2 teaspoons vanilla
12 ounces Cool Whip
6 ounces strawberry gelatin (2 packages)
2 cups boiling water
2 cups cold water
3 to 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly butter the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, ¾ cup of sugar, and melted butter together. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. (A great way to crush pretzels is to put them in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin or your hands!)
Bake the pretzel base for about 10 minutes. After that, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, the remaining ¾ cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Then, gently fold in the Cool Whip.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust. Make sure it reaches all the edges to prevent the jello from leaking into the crust.
In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in two cups of boiling water. Stir until completely mixed. Then, add two cups of cold water and mix well.
Add in the sliced strawberries. Refrigerate this mixture for about 15 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
Carefully pour the strawberry jello over the cream cheese layer. Cover it and put it in the refrigerator for two hours or until the jello is set. Finally, slice it into squares to serve.

How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Serve this dessert chilled, right out of the fridge. You can cut it into squares and place it on dessert plates. It’s great on its own, but feels free to top it with extra whipped cream or fresh strawberries for an extra special touch!

How to Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad

You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. It should stay good for about 3 to 5 days, although it’s so delicious that it likely won’t last that long!

Tips to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Make sure the pretzel crust cools completely before adding the cream cheese layer. This will help prevent sogginess.
For a stronger strawberry flavor, add more fresh strawberries into the jello mixture.
You can also swap out the strawberry jello for raspberry or peach jello for a fun twist!

Variation

You can switch up this recipe using different flavors of jello and berries. Try blueberries with blueberry jello or a mixed berry blend for a tasty variation!

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Yes! It’s actually a great idea to make it the day before serving. This gives the layers time to set well.

2. Can I use sugar-free jello?
Absolutely! Sugar-free jello works well in this recipe, making it a lighter option.

3. Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip to make it vegan.

Enjoy making and sharing this tasty Strawberry Pretzel Salad; it’s sure to be a hit every time!