Strawberry Pretzel Salad
A delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors, Strawberry Pretzel Salad features a crunchy pretzel crust topped with a fluffy cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels Adds a crunchy, salty base.
- 1 cup butter, melted Ties the crust together.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar Balances the saltiness of the pretzels.
For the filling
- 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 oz) Creates a smooth, creamy layer.
- 1 cup powdered sugar Lends sweetness to the filling.
- 1 container whipped topping (8 oz) Lightens the cream cheese for airiness.
For the topping
- 2 cups sliced strawberries Fresh and juicy for vibrant flavor.
- 1 package strawberry gelatin (6 oz) Adds strawberry flavor and sets the top layer.
- 2 cups boiling water Helps dissolve the gelatin.
- 1 cup cold water Completes the gelatin mixture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Crush 2 cups of pretzels in a zip-top bag or food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels with 1 cup melted butter and 3 tablespoons sugar until well combined.
- Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish to form a solid crust.
- Let the crust cool while you prepare the filling and topping.
Assembly
- In a mixing bowl, beat 1 (8 oz) softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar until creamy.
- Fold in the 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping until it’s light and fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 (6 oz) package of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water; stir well.
- Add 1 cup cold water to the gelatin mixture and then gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
Serving
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
- Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Notes
For a crunchy crust, make sure to press the pretzel layer firmly. Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.