This strawberry pretzel salad recipe has been a beloved dish at potluck dinners and family gatherings for decades. Its unique blend of textures and flavors makes it a standout side dish or dessert, loved by both kids and adults alike. The recipe combines a salty-sweet pretzel crust with a tangy cream cheese filling and a sweet strawberry jello topping. The buttery pretzel crust adds a delightful crunch, while the cream cheese layer provides a smooth and creamy contrast. Fresh strawberries and strawberry gelatin create a vibrant and flavorful top layer, making this dessert both visually appealing and delicious. It’s not completely no-bake because you do need to bake the pretzel crust to set it and melt the sugar, but it’s just 10 minutes and then the rest of the magic happens in the fridge. For more delicious dessert recipes using strawberries, check out my Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, Easy No-Bake Strawberry Tiramisu, Award-Winning Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie, Strawberry Peach Crumble, and Strawberry Pretzel Icebox Pie!
Why We Love This Recipe
The combination of salty pretzel crust and sweet strawberry topping creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it a unique and irresistible treat. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or dessert, making it perfect for any occasion, from summer gatherings to holiday dinners. The distinct layers not only make it look beautiful but also ensure a delightful variety of textures in every bite.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Strawberry Gelatin – Provides the sweet and fruity top layer. Boiling Water – Dissolves the gelatin. Crushed Salted Pretzels – Forms the salty and crunchy base. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the pretzel crust and cream cheese layer. Salted Butter – Binds the pretzel crust together. Cream Cheese – Creates the tangy and creamy filling. Heavy Cream – Adds richness and volume to the cream cheese layer. Fresh Strawberries – Adds freshness and texture to the jello layer.
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Salad
Tips for Success
Make sure the pretzel crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent it from becoming soggy. Measure the pretzels after crushing them, not before. Spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges of the pan to create a seal and prevent the gelatin from leaking through. Refrigerate the dessert between adding layers to ensure each layer sets properly and remains distinct. Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitute regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzels to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Use 8 ounces of thawed Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream. Substitute fresh strawberries with other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor twist. Use sugar-free gelatin and reduce the sugar in the cream cheese layer to create a lower-sugar version of this dessert.
More Jello Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
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