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: Make the Pretzel Crust

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

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
2. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to go all the way to the edges.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Layer

1. Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water. Let it cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable (about 30-40 minutes).
2. Stir in the fresh sliced strawberries.
3. Pour the Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

Leftovers and Storage

• Store leftovers in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing, as the Jell-O and cream layers may separate when thawed.

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 bakinag! 🍓