Strawberry Pretzel Salad

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

1. 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.
2. Prepare Baking Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. 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.
2. Fold in Cool Whip:
   • Gently fold in the thawed 8-ounce container of Cool Whip until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
3. 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.
4. Chill:
   • Place the dish in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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!