The combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy pretzels in this dish creates a delightful balance of flavors. The creamy layer adds a touch of indulgence, making it the perfect treat for any gathering.

When I first encountered the legendary strawberry pretzel salad at a family picnic, I was skeptical. A salad with pretzels? It sounded like something my culinary imagination concocted during a late-night snack binge! But one bite had me hooked; I knew this was a dish worth sharing.

I remember my cousin’s face lighting up when she took her first bite of this dish at our family reunion. It was priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are essential; look for ones that are bright red and firm for the best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount enhances the sweetness of the strawberries without overwhelming them.
• Jell-O (Strawberry Flavor): This gives the salad its fruity base; try using sugar-free if you’re cutting back on sugar.
• Water: You’ll need boiling water to dissolve the Jell-O properly; measured precisely for best results.
• Pretzels: Use crushed pretzels for that salty crunch; stick to classic varieties for optimal texture contrast.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust together while adding richness to the flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing; it adds creaminess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Whipped Topping: Lightens up the cream cheese layer; you can use homemade whipped cream if preferred.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile beautifully; don’t skip it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare yourself for a fun journey through making this scrumptious strawberry pretzel salad!

Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels and melted butter until well mixed. Press firmly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Bake the Crust: Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before adding layers.

Dissolve Jell-O Mix: In another bowl, mix boiling water with your Jell-O powder until fully dissolved. Stir in fresh sliced strawberries and let it chill until slightly thickened.

Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in whipped topping to keep it light and airy.

Layer Everything Up!: Spread the cream cheese mixture over cooled crust evenly. Pour chilled Jell-O-strawberry mix over this layer and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours or overnight.

Enjoy serving slices of this colorful delight at your next gathering! Each bite will surprise your taste buds with all its wonderful textures and flavors.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, prepare the crust first, allowing it to cool while you make the filling. Layer the creamy mixture on top once cooled, then add your fresh strawberries for that beautiful finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a unique twist. You can also try adding some chopped nuts for an extra crunch or adjusting the sweetness based on preference.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid freezing as it may affect texture; simply enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge!

Sharing this dessert at potlucks always leads to delighted reactions and requests for the recipe. It’s a joy to see friends enjoy something so simple yet delicious together.

FAQ

What is strawberry pretzel salad?

Strawberry pretzel salad is a layered dessert combining pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Using fresh strawberries is recommended, but thawed frozen ones can work in a pinch too.

How long does strawberry pretzel salad last?

This dessert lasts about three days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Print

Easy Strawberry Pretzel Salad

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

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Description

Indulge in this easy strawberry pretzel salad, a delightful blend of sweet strawberries, salty pretzel crust, and creamy filling that’s perfect for any gathering!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix crushed pretzels and melted butter in a bowl. Press into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow crust to cool completely.
3. In a bowl, combine boiling water with strawberry Jell-O until dissolved. Stir in sliced strawberries and chill until thickened.
4. Beat softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Pour the chilled Jell-O mixture on top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 140g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added flavor, mix in chopped nuts or substitute with blueberries or raspberries. To prevent a soggy crust, ensure it is completely cooled before layering.