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The Ultimate Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad: Perfect Layers Every Time

Close-up of a perfect square slice of strawberry pretzel salad showing three distinct layers.
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I’m Alex, and I’m glad you’re here. This recipe shows you how to make the classic, three-layer strawberry pretzel salad. You get a salty, crunchy pretzel crust, a sweet and tangy cream cheese layer, and a bright strawberry Jell-O topping. It is an easy potluck dessert that tastes great and looks good on any table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
  • 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry Jell-O
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pretzel crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until the mixture is light and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  3. Prepare the Jell-O topping: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Stir in 1 cup of cold water. Let this mixture cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly, about 30 to 45 minutes. Do not let it set fully.
  4. Assemble the salad: Gently fold the thawed, drained strawberries into the slightly thickened Jell-O mixture. Spoon this strawberry layer over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
  5. Chill the dessert: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the Jell-O layer is completely set.
  6. Serve: Before serving this make ahead dessert, you can garnish the top with fresh sliced strawberries if you wish. Cut into squares and serve cold.

Notes

  • For the best results, make this layered pretzel salad the day before you plan to serve it. Chilling overnight allows the layers to set firmly.
  • If you want a quicker set time for the Jell-O, you can place the mixture in the freezer for 15-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
  • Use a good quality, fine pretzel for the crust to ensure a uniform, crunchy pretzel crust texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe/

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