Description
This Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad with Cream Cheese is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy salty pretzel crust, a smooth creamy middle layer, and a fresh strawberry gelatin topping. It’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing and sweet treat with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (pretzel twists preferred)
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
Strawberry Gelatin Layer
- 6 oz package strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
Optional Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberry
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust: Crush the pretzels into small pieces and mix them thoroughly with 1 cup of granulated sugar and the melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into a baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake and Cool the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven until it is set and slightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely to prevent sogginess.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to keep the texture light and airy.
- Spread the Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring it reaches the edges to form a barrier that keeps the crust crisp.
- Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin package in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then let it cool until slightly thickened but not set.
- Add Strawberries and Pour Gelatin: Stir the sliced fresh strawberries into the cooled gelatin mixture. Carefully pour this strawberry gelatin layer over the cream cheese layer, arranging the strawberries evenly.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the layered dessert for several hours until the gelatin is completely set.
- Serve with Garnish: Before serving, optionally top slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry for extra flair and freshness.
Notes
- Use pretzel twists instead of pretzel sticks for a better crust texture.
- Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to avoid sogginess.
- Allow the gelatin to cool slightly before adding strawberries to prevent them from cooking or becoming mushy.
- For best results, refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- You can substitute fresh raspberries or blueberries for strawberries for a different flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
