Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

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If you’re in the mood for a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than a strawberry pretzel salad recipe. This delectable dessert combines the crunch of salty pretzels with the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of a whipped topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your friends and family at your next potluck or BBQ. 

This strawberry-pretzel salad recipe is a classic favorite that has been passed down through generations. It’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to whip up a delicious and refreshing strawberry pretzel salad that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why We LOVE This Recipe

We love this strawberry pretzel salad recipe because it combines the perfect balance of sweet strawberry jello, creamy cream cheese layer, and crunchy pretzel crust. 

• The combination of the salty pretzel crust with the sweet strawberry layer on top is simply irresistible.
• The cream cheese mixture adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the strawberry gelatin.
• This strawberry pretzel salad is a great recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

Crushed pretzels
Butter
Granulated sugar
Cream cheese
Cool whip
Water
Strawberry Jello Mix
Fresh Strawberries

For a detailed list of ingredients and instructions, see our printable recipe card below.

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2: For the crust, melt the butter by microwaving on 30 second increments. In a large bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tbsp. sugar. Mix well.

Step 3: Press the crust mixture into the bottom of your pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely.

Step 4: Once the crust has cooled, in a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until smooth. Add the cool whip, and mix until well combined. Spoon this mixture over the pretzel crust, and smooth out evenly. Take extra care to bring this mixture to the edge of the pan and smooth out along the edges to create a seal to hold our jello layer next.

Step 5: Move the pan to the refrigerator to allow this layer to set for 1 hour.

Step 6: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from the heat and whisk in strawberry jello mix. Allow the jello mixture to cool completely.

Step 7: For the strawberries, remove the tops and slice.

Step 8: After you allow the first layer to set, and the jello has cooled completely, carefully pour the jello mixture on top of the first layer. I used a spoon to spoon the jello mixture out at first, and then very slowly poured the rest. Take your strawberry slices and press them down into the jello, covering the whole dish.

Step 9: Move the pan back to the refrigerator to chill for 6 hours, or for best results, overnight.

Can you use homemade whipped cream?

You can certainly experiment with your own homemade whipped cream instead of cool whip, but the cool whip is pretty pivotal for getting this dessert to set up properly. For best results, use a homemade whipped cream recipe that includes a stabilizer, like gelatin.

Could you substitute graham crackers crushed instead of pretzels?

If you don’t love the pretzel crust, you can certainly make a graham cracker crust for this dessert. You could opt to stir the pretzels into the cream cheese layer if you still wanted those included.

Could you use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen sliced strawberries, just thaw them slightly before preparing the dessert.

How long should I refrigerate the Strawberry Pretzel Salad before serving?

It is recommended to refrigerate the Strawberry Pretzel Salad for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set properly and for the flavors to meld together.

What size of pan should I use to make the Strawberry Pretzel Salad?

It is recommended to use a 9×13 inch pan to make the Strawberry Pretzel Salad. This size allows for the layers to be evenly distributed and for easy cutting and serving of the dessert. If needed, you can divide everything between two 8×8 inch pans.

How far in advance can I make this recipe?

You can make the Strawberry Pretzel Salad a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This dessert actually benefits from some time in the refrigerator as it allows the flavors to develop and the layers to set properly.

We love this delicious strawberry pretzel dessert. For a super cute presentation, you can serve each slice with whipped cream on top and a pretzel or fresh strawberry. If you liked this recipe, you might like some of our other dessert salad and lasagna recipes-

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Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

No Bake Banana Cheesecake

Strawberry Delight Dessert Lasagna

Pineapple Pretzel Fluff