Sweet and Salty Strawberry Pretzel Salad

If you’ve never tried Strawberry Pretzel Salad before, oh my goodness, you’re in for a treat!

This dessert is the perfect mix of salty, sweet, creamy, and fruity.

It’s got a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake-like layer, and a sweet strawberry Jell-O topping packed with fresh strawberries.

It’s a classic potluck dessert that’s always the first thing to disappear.

Kids love it, grown-ups love it, and trust me, it’s easier to make than you think.

Let’s dive in!

this for later!

What You’ll Need

For the Pretzel Crust:

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 2 cups boiling water
• 6 oz strawberry Jell-O (1 large box or 2 small boxes)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Pro Tips

1. Crush Pretzels Evenly: Use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin to crush your pretzels—they’ll turn out evenly sized without turning into powder.
2. Cool Layers Completely: Make sure the crust is fully cooled before adding the cream cheese layer, and the Jell-O is slightly thickened before pouring over the top.
3. Prevent Soggy Crust: Spread the cream cheese layer all the way to the edges to “seal” the pretzel crust and keep it crunchy.
4. Use Fresh Strawberries: They add texture and flavor to the dessert—skip the canned stuff if you can.
5. Chill Overnight: If you can, let this dessert chill overnight—it gives the layers time to set perfectly.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (at least 2)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 glass baking dish
• Zip-top bag

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pretzels for gluten-free pretzels.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar-free Jell-O and a sugar substitute in the cream cheese layer.
• Berry Swap: Try raspberries or mixed berries instead of strawberries for a fun twist.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: Substitute whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of homemade goodness.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the dessert the night before and refrigerate—it tastes even better the next day.
• Slice the strawberries in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.

Instructions

Step 1: Crush the Pretzels

Place 2 cups of pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces with a rolling pin.

Step 2: Make the Pretzel Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar in a mixing bowl.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping (8 oz) until fully combined.

Step 4: Spread the Cream Layer

Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to go all the way to the edges. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Jello

Dissolve 6 oz strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water in a mixing bowl. Stir until completely dissolved.

Let the Jello mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Add Fresh Strawberries

Slice 1 lb of fresh strawberries into thin slices. Arrange the slices evenly on top of the chilled cream cheese layer.

Step 7: Pour the Jello Layer

Carefully pour the cooled Jello mixture over the arranged strawberries, ensuring the strawberries are fully submerged.

Place the dish in the fridge and chill for 4-6 hours, or until the Jello is completely set.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once the Jello is fully set, slice the dessert into squares using a sharp knife. Serve cold and enjoy the layers of salty, creamy, and fruity goodness!

Leftovers and Storage

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing is not recommended, as it can ruin the creamy texture.

Conclusion

There you have it—Strawberry Pretzel Salad that’s as easy as it is delicious.

It’s a showstopper for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a fun treat to share with your loved ones.

I can’t wait for you to try it!

Let me know how yours turns out in the comments, or if you have any questions, I’m happy to help.

Happy baking! 🍓