Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful, sweet-and-salty dessert that’s perfect for any gathering, especially during the summer months. The crunchy pretzel crust, creamy middle layer, and refreshing strawberry topping make this a crowd favorite. Follow this step-by-step guide to create this delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup melted butter
- 4 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (8-ounce) container of Cool Whip, thawed
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 (6-ounce) package strawberry gelatin mix
- 16 ounces frozen strawberries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Crust
- Mix Crust Ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of crushed pretzels, 3/4 cup of melted butter, and 4 1/2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until the pretzels are well coated with the butter and sugar.
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Press Crust into Dish:
- Evenly spread the pretzel mixture over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to press the mixture firmly into the dish to form an even layer.
- Bake Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, beat 2 (8-ounce) blocks of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Cool Whip:
- Gently fold in the thawed 8-ounce container of Cool Whip until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
- Spread Over Cooled Crust:
- Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges to create a seal that prevents the gelatin layer from seeping through.
- Chill:
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
- Dissolve Gelatin:
- In a large bowl, pour 2 cups of boiling water over the 6-ounce package of strawberry gelatin mix. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add Frozen Strawberries:
- Stir in the 16 ounces of frozen strawberries. Continue stirring until the strawberries are completely thawed and the mixture is well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
- Pour Strawberry Mixture Over Cream Cheese Layer:
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Make sure the strawberries are evenly distributed.
- Chill Again:
- Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the gelatin is fully set.
Step 5: Serve
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the strawberry layer is set, cut the dessert into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful combination of crunchy, creamy, and fruity layers.
- Optional Garnish:
- You can garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a fresh strawberry for an extra touch.
Tips and Tricks
- Crushing Pretzels: Place pretzels in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces. Alternatively, use a food processor for a finer texture.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before beating to ensure it’s soft and easy to mix.
- Even Layers: Make sure each layer is spread evenly to prevent any gaps or uneven distribution of the strawberry mixture.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Its combination of sweet and salty flavors, along with the creamy and fruity layers, makes it a perfect treat for any occasion. Follow this easy recipe and enjoy a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
Thank you for following along with this recipe. Enjoy your Strawberry Pretzel Salad, and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. Happy cooking!
