Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a tasty treat that combines sweet and salty flavors in one delicious dish. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet ending to any meal. With layers of pretzel crust, cream cheese, and strawberry gelatin, it’s sure to please everyone!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a great choice because it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require any baking skills. Plus, it offers a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. The crunch of pretzels balances with the smooth cream cheese and the juicy strawberries, making it a delightful dessert. It’s also great for sunny days or special occasions!
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided in half
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 12 ounces cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 12 ounces Cool Whip
- 6 ounces strawberry gelatin (2 packages)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 3 to 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
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In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip and spread over the cooled pretzel crust.
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In a saucepan, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Add fresh sliced strawberries and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, pour the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. Serve chilled.
How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad cold. You can cut it into squares and place them on individual plates. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of extra Cool Whip on top. It looks nice and tastes even better!
How to Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Store any leftovers of Strawberry Pretzel Salad in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days.
Tips to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- If you want a stronger strawberry taste, add more strawberries to the gelatin mixture.
- You can make the pretzel crust ahead of time and assemble the salad later.
Variation
You can try different flavors of gelatin for a unique twist. For example, use raspberry or blue gelatin instead of strawberry for a different flavor combo.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the gelatin.
How do I make this dessert gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pretzels instead of regular pretzels.
Can I prepare this dessert a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s often better if allowed to sit overnight, as the layers set nicely and flavors meld together.
