Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a nostalgic dessert that has been a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings for years. Lina Vexley recalls first trying this unique dessert at a friend’s wedding reception. It was an unexpected combination of salty pretzels, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh, sweet strawberries that instantly won her over. As she made it herself over time, she found it to be a great balance of textures and flavors—salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy all in one dish. This dessert has since become a staple at every special occasion in her life.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed Pretzels
- 1/2 cup melted Butter
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 8 oz softened Cream cheese
- 8 oz cool whip Whipped topping
- 6 oz package Strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups Boiling water
- 3 cups sliced Strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Add the whipped topping and mix until combined. Spread this mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before pouring it over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with fresh sliced strawberries and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a unique dessert that balances the sweet and salty combination perfectly. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, mix 2 cups of crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Once mixed, press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, forming a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool.
While the pretzel crust is cooling, prepare the creamy layer by beating 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Add 8 oz of whipped topping (Cool Whip) and mix until fully combined. Spread this creamy mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
Next, dissolve 6 oz of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Let the gelatin mixture cool for about 30 minutes before carefully pouring it over the cream cheese layer. Top the dessert with fresh, sliced strawberries for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours, allowing the gelatin to set properly. Once chilled, it’s ready to serve. This dessert is the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and fruity—making it a great choice for any occasion.
Conclusion
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delicious and refreshing dessert that offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The combination of a salty pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and sweet strawberries creates a treat that is loved by all. Whether for a family dinner or a special event, this dessert is sure to impress and become a new favorite in your recipe collection. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and most importantly, incredibly delicious!