Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that combines creaminess, sweetness, and a bit of crunch. It’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat any day. The blend of pretzels, strawberries, and cream makes it a favorite for many!
Why Make This Recipe
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser and you can whip it up in no time. Plus, you get the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite. If you have strawberries and pretzels at home, this is a must-try!
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups pretzels
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 12 oz cream cheese
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 12 ounces cool whip
- 3-4 cups strawberries
- 6 oz strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups water
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush the pretzels and mix them with melted butter and 1/2 cup of sugar. Press this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for about 10 minutes and then let it cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with the remaining sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the cool whip, creating a fluffy mixture. Spread this over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Slice the strawberries and layer them on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Prepare the strawberry gelatin by dissolving it in boiling water. Let it cool and then pour it over the strawberries, ensuring they are all covered.
- Refrigerate until set, which usually takes a few hours. Serve chilled and enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad cold as a dessert. It looks lovely in a glass dish, and you can garnish with extra strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch!
How to Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad
You can store Strawberry Pretzel Salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly so it stays fresh. It’s best enjoyed chilled!
Tips to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Crush the pretzels in a zip-top bag for easy cleanup.
- Allow the pretzel crust to cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer to avoid melting.
- For a twist, try using different fruits like blueberries or raspberries!
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using other flavored gelatin, like peach or raspberry, for a different taste. You can also add nuts for extra crunch if you like!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s great to make it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of cool whip?
A: Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream can be a delicious substitute for cool whip in this recipe.
Q: What can I do if I can’t find strawberry gelatin?
A: If strawberry gelatin is not available, you can use any berry-flavored gelatin or make a simple fruit sauce to pour over the strawberries instead.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2.5 cups pretzels Crushed
- 0.75 cups butter Melted
- 0.5 cups sugar For the crust
For the filling
- 12 oz cream cheese Softened
- 1.5 cups sugar Remaining sugar for filling
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 12 oz cool whip
- 3-4 cups strawberries Sliced
For the gelatin layer
- 6 oz strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups water Boiling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush the pretzels and mix them with melted butter and 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Press this mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for about 10 minutes and then let it cool completely.
Assembling the dessert
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with the remaining sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold in the cool whip to create a fluffy mixture.
- Spread this over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Layer sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Prepare the strawberry gelatin by dissolving it in boiling water.
- Let it cool and then pour it over the strawberries, ensuring they are covered.
- Refrigerate until set, which usually takes a few hours.
