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Classic Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad

classic creamy strawberry pretzel salad - featured image
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A crowd-pleasing dessert that combines a salty pretzel crust with a creamy filling and fresh strawberry gelatin topping. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry gelatin powder
  • 2 cups boiling water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even layer.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and let it cool completely.
  5. In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then gently fold in 8 ounces thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated and light.
  7. Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, then refrigerate while you prepare the strawberry topping.
  8. In a heatproof bowl, dissolve 1/2 cup strawberry gelatin powder in 2 cups boiling water. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved.
  9. Let the gelatin cool slightly, then stir in 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries.
  10. Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the chilled creamy layer, spreading evenly.
  11. Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the gelatin sets firmly and flavors meld.
  12. Before serving, use a sharp warm knife to cut into squares.

Notes

Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps. Chill the crust completely before adding the filling to keep it crunchy. Use fresh strawberries for best texture. Let gelatin cool slightly before pouring to prevent melting the creamy layer. Cut with a warm knife for clean slices. Variations include gluten-free pretzels, dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping, berry mix-ups, and adding cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, creamy dessert, pretzel crust, easy dessert, potluck dessert, creamy strawberry salad

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/classic-creamy-strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-to-impress/