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Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

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3.9 from 14 reviews

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy salted pretzel crust, a creamy sweet cream cheese layer, fresh strawberries, and a vibrant strawberry Jell-O topping. This no-bake treat combines salty, sweet, and fruity flavors, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 1/4 cups finely crushed salted pretzels
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup white sugar

For the Jell-O Layer:

  • 1 large box strawberry Jell-O (6 ounces)
  • 2 cups boiling water

For the Creamy Layer:

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 16 ounces fresh strawberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Crush the pretzels finely using a food processor or by placing them in a zippered bag and rolling with a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels with melted butter and 1/4 cup of sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  2. Bake the Crust: Bake the pressed pretzel crust for 8 to 10 minutes until it is set. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the next layers. Cooling is crucial to prevent sogginess.
  3. Make the Jell-O Layer: Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O powder into 2 cups of boiling water, whisking carefully for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature but do not refrigerate yet.
  4. Prepare the Creamy Layer: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with a rubber spatula until evenly combined.
  5. Assemble the Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the completely cooled pretzel crust, ensuring it covers the edges thoroughly to prevent the Jell-O from seeping through and making the crust soggy.
  6. Chill the Layers: Refrigerate the dessert with the crust and creamy layer for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up before adding the fruit and Jell-O.
  7. Prepare the Strawberries: Hull and slice fresh strawberries into thin slices. Arrange them evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer.
  8. Add the Jell-O Topping: Once the Jell-O mixture is at room temperature, carefully pour it over the arranged strawberries, spreading evenly to cover.
  9. Final Chill: Refrigerate the entire dessert for about 4 hours or until the Jell-O is fully set.
  10. Serve and Store: After setting, cover the dish with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. This dessert is best served chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the creamy layer to avoid melting the cream cheese.
  • Covering the edges of the creamy layer carefully prevents the Jell-O from seeping into the crust and making it soggy.
  • Use fresh strawberries for the best texture and flavor in the fruit layer.
  • The dessert benefits from at least 4 hours of chilling to properly set the Jell-O layer.
  • This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe/