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- 2 cups pretzel sticks, crushed - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced - 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix - 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - Other berries like blueberries or raspberries - Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a fun treat with layers of flavor and texture. The salty pretzel crust gives a nice crunch. The cream cheese layer adds a creamy, smooth touch. Fresh strawberries bring a burst of sweetness. For the crust, I use crushed pretzel sticks. They mix with melted butter and sugar. This mix creates a flavorful base. After baking, it cools down, setting the stage for the creamy layer. The cream cheese layer needs softened cream cheese. I mix it with powdered sugar until smooth. Then, I fold in whipped topping. This step makes it light and fluffy. Next, I prepare the strawberry layer. The gelatin mix adds sweetness and holds everything together. I dissolve it in boiling water and add cold water. Finally, I stir in the fresh strawberries. The optional ingredients give you room to play. You can swap in other berries for fun flavors. Sweeteners like honey can add a unique twist. This salad is great for gatherings or just a sweet treat at home. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting a nice, crispy crust. In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of crushed pretzel sticks, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the pretzels are fully coated. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. This creates a solid base for your salad. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then take it out of the oven and let it cool completely. In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is smooth. Gradually add in 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing well until combined. Now, fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping, like Cool Whip. This makes the layer light and fluffy. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over your cooled pretzel crust. For the strawberry layer, dissolve 1 cup of strawberry gelatin mix in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until it fully dissolves. After that, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Next, add 2 cups of cold water to the mixture. Finally, mix in 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries. This layer adds a sweet and fruity taste. Once the gelatin mixture is slightly thickened but not set, carefully pour it over the cream cheese layer in your baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly, so every bite has a good balance of flavors. Cover your dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This time helps all the layers set up nicely. Once set, take the dish out of the fridge and cut it into squares. Each slice will show off the beautiful layers of cream cheese, strawberries, and the salty pretzel crust. For a lovely presentation, serve the squares on a pretty platter. Add fresh whole strawberries and a sprinkle of mint leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy this delightful treat! - Plating options: Use a large, colorful platter to showcase the layered dessert. Cut the salad into neat squares for easy serving. You can also place each square in cupcake liners for a fun look. - Garnishing ideas: Add fresh mint leaves on top for color. Whole strawberries beside each slice make a lovely touch. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can also add some flair. - Refrigeration advice: Store the salad in the fridge. Use plastic wrap to cover it well. Keeping it cool helps maintain its creamy texture. - Shelf life information: This treat lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. The layers stay fresh and tasty if stored properly. - Baking adjustments: Make sure to bake the pretzel crust until golden brown. This adds a nice crunch. Don’t overbake, as it can turn too hard. - Tips for layered aesthetics: Allow the cream cheese layer to set slightly before adding the gelatin. This helps keep the layers distinct and prevents mixing. When pouring the gelatin, do so gently to avoid disturbing the cream cheese layer. Pro Tips Crust Consistency: Ensure that the pretzel crust is pressed firmly into the baking dish to create a solid base that holds up well when served. Chilling Time: For the best texture, let the dessert chill overnight. This allows the layers to set properly and enhances the flavors. Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If they are out of season, consider using frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained. Presentation: For an elegant touch, serve the dessert with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint on top of each square. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in the salad. Instead of strawberries, try blueberries or raspberries. They add a nice twist. You can even mix fruits for more flavor. Using flavored gelatin also works well. You can find many options like peach or berry. These flavors make the salad fun and fresh. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzels. They taste great and keep the crunch. For a vegan option, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based version. Use coconut cream instead of whipped topping. Ensure the gelatin mix is vegan-friendly. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat. Adding nuts can give your salad a nice crunch. Chopped pecans or walnuts work great. You can also sprinkle some on top for decoration. Adjust the sweetness to your taste. If you like it less sweet, cut back on powdered sugar. You can also use honey or agave for a natural sweetener. These small changes make the dish yours! Each serving of Strawberry Pretzel Salad has about 200 calories. Here is the macro breakdown per serving: - Carbohydrates: 25g - Protein: 2g - Fat: 9g - Sugar: 12g These values can change based on serving size and any ingredient swaps. Using fresh strawberries in this dish brings many health perks. Strawberries are low in calories and packed with vitamins. They are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals. Their fiber content aids digestion and keeps you full longer. Cream cheese also has benefits. It provides calcium, which supports strong bones. While it is higher in fat, it adds creaminess and flavor. Using low-fat cream cheese can cut down on calories while keeping taste intact. Be mindful of potential allergens. This recipe contains dairy and gluten from the pretzels. If you have allergies, look for gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free cream cheese. If you want to reduce sugar, you can use sugar alternatives. Stevia or monk fruit sweetener works well in the cream cheese layer. Just remember, these sweeteners can taste different, so adjust to your liking. Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can make Strawberry Pretzel Salad ahead of time. I often prepare it a day in advance. This allows the layers to set well. It also gives the flavors time to blend. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you serve. How long does the Strawberry Pretzel Salad last in the fridge? This tasty dessert lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before serving. Can I use sugar substitutes? Absolutely! You can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. These options work well in the cream cheese layer. However, test the sweetness as they vary in strength. Is there a way to make this gluten-free? Yes, you can make it gluten-free! Instead of pretzel sticks, use gluten-free pretzels. They give a similar crunch and flavor. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. What dishes pair well with Strawberry Pretzel Salad? This dessert pairs nicely with grilled meats or a fresh salad. The sweet and salty flavors complement savory dishes. It also works well at picnics and potlucks. Can I serve it at room temperature? While you can serve it at room temperature, I recommend serving it chilled. The layers hold together better when cold. Chilling also enhances the flavors and makes it refreshing. This blog post shared a fun and easy recipe for Strawberry Pretzel Salad. You learned about key ingredients like pretzel sticks, cream cheese, and strawberries. I provided steps for preparing and layering the dish, plus tips for serving and storage. Don’t forget to try the variations to suit your tastes. Making this dessert can be a joyous experience. You’ll enjoy delicious flavors, and you can customize it to fit your needs. Dive into the kitchen and create your own tasty treat!

Strawberry Pretzel Delight

A delicious layered dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, creamy cheese layer, and fresh strawberries in gelatin.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel sticks, crushed
  • 1 2 unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 4 granulated sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups cold water

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzel sticks, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until all pretzels are coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to make an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Fold in the whipped topping until completely incorporated and smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  • Prepare the Strawberry Layer: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring well until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes, then add 2 cups of cold water. Gently stir in the sliced strawberries.
  • Combine Layers: Once the gelatin mixture is slightly thickened but not set, carefully pour it over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure coverage.
  • Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
  • Serve: Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled. Each slice will show off the beautiful layers of cream cheese, strawberries, and the salty pretzel crust.

Notes

Serve the squares on a lovely platter, garnished with fresh whole strawberries and a sprinkle of mint leaves for an extra pop of color!
Keyword dessert, no-bake, strawberry