Description
A nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring a crunchy salty pretzel crust, a cool creamy cheese layer, and a jiggly strawberry gelatin topping. It is easy to make, affordable, and perfect for parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups pretzel pieces (broken pieces, approx. 150g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until golden and buttery. Remove and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes).
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until just combined and fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Refrigerate the crust and cream cheese layer for at least 30 minutes to set.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin powder in boiling water, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in cold water and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes until cool to the touch.
- Stir sliced fresh strawberries into the cooled gelatin mixture.
- Pour the strawberry topping evenly over the set cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
- Cut into squares and serve cold.
Notes
Ensure the pretzel crust and gelatin layer are completely cool before adding subsequent layers to prevent melting. For best texture, use full-fat brick cream cheese and fresh strawberries. This dessert is best made 1-2 days in advance to allow flavors to meld. Do not freeze as the texture may become grainy.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, party dessert, make ahead dessert, easy dessert, family favorite, gelatin salad, pretzel crust