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To make this Strawberry Pretzel Salad, you need some simple and tasty ingredients. Here's what you'll need: - 2 cups pretzel twists - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup whipped topping - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix - 2 cups boiling water Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing flavors. The pretzel twists add a nice crunch and saltiness. The butter helps bind the pretzels together. Granulated sugar sweetens the mix, while cream cheese adds creaminess. Powdered sugar gives a light texture, and whipped topping adds fluff. Fresh strawberries bring bright flavor and color. Strawberry gelatin ties everything together with sweetness. Finally, boiling water dissolves the gelatin for that perfect layer. Gather these items, and you're ready to create a delightful dessert! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for the crust. 2. Take 2 cups of pretzel twists and crush them into coarse pieces. You can use a rolling pin or a food processor. 3. In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Stir until everything is well combined. 4. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Make it even. 5. Bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes. When it's done, take it out and let it cool completely. 1. In a clean bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix until smooth. 2. Gradually add ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 cup powdered sugar. Keep mixing until it is well blended and fluffy. 3. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Be careful not to deflate it. 4. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. 1. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 cup of strawberry gelatin mix in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until it's fully dissolved. 2. Let the gelatin cool for a few minutes. 3. Add 2 cups of hulled and sliced fresh strawberries to the cooled gelatin. Mix well. 4. Pour this strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in your baking dish. 5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the gelatin set properly. 6. Once set, cut the salad into squares and enjoy this sweet and salty treat! To make the best pretzel crust, focus on two key points. First, avoid sogginess. After baking, let the crust cool completely. This step helps keep the crust crunchy. If you skip this, the cream cheese layer can make it soggy. Second, ensure an even crust. Press the pretzel mix firmly into the bottom of your dish. This creates a solid base for your salad. For a smooth cream cheese layer, make sure your cream cheese is softened. I recommend letting it sit out for 30 minutes before mixing. This helps prevent lumps. When adding the whipped topping, fold it in gently. This keeps the mixture light and fluffy. For a great whipped topping, choose one that is stable and not too sweet. This balances the flavors perfectly. Cooling the gelatin is important. After dissolving it in boiling water, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps it cool without setting too quickly. To enhance the flavor, you can add extra fruits. Try mixing in blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist. This adds color and taste to your salad. Pro Tips Crust Consistency: Ensure the pretzel crust is pressed firmly into the baking dish to create a solid base that holds the layers together. Cooling Time: Allow the gelatin to cool to room temperature before adding strawberries, ensuring they don’t cook or become mushy. Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a day in advance; just keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve for the best texture. Strawberry Substitutes: If strawberries are out of season, feel free to use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a delicious twist! {{image_2}} You can easily change the fruit in this dish. Instead of strawberries, try blueberries or raspberries. Both fruits add a nice twist. You can also mix fruits for a colorful treat. For gelatin flavors, use peach or cherry. Each flavor gives a unique taste to the salad. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pretzels. Many stores sell these now. You can also make this dish vegan. Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based version. For the whipped topping, use coconut cream. These swaps keep your dish tasty and friendly for all diets. Make your dish stand out with creative serving. Try using clear cups for individual servings. This way, everyone can see those lovely layers. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves or extra fruit. It adds color and freshness to your dish. Another idea is to drizzle chocolate sauce on top. This will appeal to chocolate lovers and make it even more special. You should store your Strawberry Pretzel Salad in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This salad stays good for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid any odors from the fridge. You can freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad, but it may change texture. To freeze, cut it into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. When you want to enjoy it, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge. This way, it will retain more flavor and freshness. Serve it chilled for the best taste! Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a fun dessert. It combines salty pretzels, sweet cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. The dish has three main layers. The bottom layer is a crunchy pretzel crust. The middle layer is a creamy cheese mixture. The top layer is a vibrant strawberry gelatin with fruit. This salad is colorful and perfect for gatherings. Yes, you can make Strawberry Pretzel Salad a day in advance. Prepare the pretzel crust and cream cheese layer first. Let them cool completely. Then, add the gelatin layer with fresh strawberries. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate. This way, the flavors blend well overnight. Just remember to cut and serve it chilled. If your gelatin did not set, it might be too warm. Ensure the boiling water is cooled before adding it to the strawberries. Another reason could be using the wrong amount of gelatin. Always measure carefully. If you notice it is still liquid, refrigerate it longer. Sometimes, patience is key! You can use frozen strawberries, but it can change the texture. Frozen strawberries may become mushy when thawed. They also release more liquid into the gelatin. If you decide to use them, drain any excess juice. You can add some fresh strawberries for crunch, too. This mix can keep your salad delicious. If you need a substitute for powdered sugar, use granulated sugar. Blend it in a blender until it’s fine. Another option is to mix granulated sugar with cornstarch. This mix can mimic powdered sugar’s texture. Keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly. Adjust the amount to taste to keep it sweet. Strawberry Pretzel Salad combines sweet and salty flavors in a fun dessert. You start with a crunchy pretzel crust, add a smooth cream cheese layer, and finish with a vibrant strawberry gelatin topping. Remember, variations make this dish your own, with options for different fruits or dietary needs. Store leftovers properly or freeze them for later enjoyment. This recipe is easy to make ahead, ensuring you have a tasty treat ready whenever you want it. Enjoy your creation!

Sweet & Salty Strawberry Pretzel Delight

A delicious dessert combining the crunch of pretzels with the sweetness of strawberries and cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pretzel twists
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix
  • 2 cups boiling water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a medium bowl, crush the pretzel twists into coarse pieces.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Mix well until combined.
  • Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool.
  • In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add in the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar and the powdered sugar until well blended.
  • Fold in the whipped topping gently until just combined.
  • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  • In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
  • Add the sliced strawberries to the cooled gelatin, then pour this mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is firm.
  • Serve chilled, cutting into squares and enjoy this delightful treat!

Notes

Chill for at least 2 hours for best results.
Keyword dessert, pretzel, strawberry