Name: Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-491988H59M26S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz Strawberry Jello; 2 cups Boiling water; 1 lb Strawberries, sliced; 2 cups Pretzels, crushed; 1/4 cup Sugar; 8 tbsp Unsalted Butter; 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened; 1/2 cup Sugar; 8 oz Whipped Topping, thawed

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Introduction

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad is a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors with a refreshing fruity twist. This layered dessert is perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time. Enjoy a cool, crunchy, and luscious treat that pleases the whole family.

A square slice of dessert is shown on a white plate with blue circular patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust; the middle layer is thick, smooth, and white cream; the top layer is a shiny red jelly filled with fresh sliced strawberries that add texture and bright color. The background has a red cloth and scattered strawberries, nuts, and a pretzel piece, all slightly blurred to keep the focus on the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 oz Strawberry Jello
2 cups Boiling water
2 cups Pretzels, crushed
1/4 cup Sugar
8 tbsp Unsalted Butter
8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup Sugar
8 oz Whipped Topping, thawed
1 lb Strawberries, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jello in boiling water by stirring until completely dissolved. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, then add 1/4 cup sugar and stir to combine. Mix in the crushed pretzels thoroughly.
Step 4: Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan using a fork.
Step 5: Bake the pretzel crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
Step 6: While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together with a handheld mixer until smooth and combined.
Step 7: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 8: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, covering the entire surface.
Step 9: Refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes to set the cream cheese layer.
Step 10: Add the sliced strawberries to the cooled Jello mixture and stir gently to combine.
Step 11: Pour the strawberry Jello and fruit mixture over the cream cheese layer evenly. Return to the refrigerator and chill for 2 to 3 hours, or until fully set.
Step 12: Slice, serve, and enjoy this delicious strawberry pretzel Jello salad!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Substitute pretzels with crushed graham crackers for a less salty crust.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pretzels.
For a richer cream cheese layer, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vanilla extract.
Chill the dessert overnight for firmer layers and enhanced flavor blend.

Storage

Store the strawberry pretzel Jello salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

A square slice of dessert with three visible layers: a bottom crunchy light brown crumb layer, a thick middle white creamy layer, and a top glossy red jelly layer studded with sliced strawberries. The dessert sits on a white plate with blue rings on a wooden table with a red cloth on one side and some strawberries and nuts scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor. However, if using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well before mixing with the Jello to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dessert’s consistency.

How can I prevent the pretzel crust from getting soggy?

Baking the pretzel crust for 10 minutes helps it set and resist moisture. Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to maintain a crisp texture.