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Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Easy & Delicious Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

Making Strawberry Pretzel Salad is super simple, and the best part? It’s no-bake and comes together with just a few easy steps! Each layer is quick to prepare, and the hardest part is waiting for it to set in the fridge. But trust me—it’s worth it!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pretzel Crust:

  • 2 cups crushed salted pretzels (gives a delicious crunch)
  • ¾ cup melted butter (binds the crust together)
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar (adds a touch of sweetness)

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (smooth and creamy texture)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (balances the tanginess of cream cheese)
  • 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip) (light and airy layer)

For the Strawberry Jello Topping:

  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 6 oz strawberry gelatin (Jell-O brand recommended)
  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries (adds real fruit flavor)
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pretzel Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups crushed salted pretzels, ¾ cup melted butter, and 3 tbsp sugar.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely. (Tip: Cooling is crucial so the creamy layer doesn’t melt!)

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

  1. In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth.
  2. Gently fold in 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip) until fully combined.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. (Tip: Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges to prevent the jello layer from seeping through!)

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Jello Topping

  1. In a separate bowl, dissolve 6 oz strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
  2. Add 1 cup cold water and let the mixture cool slightly. (Tip: Do not pour hot Jello over the cream cheese layer—it must be lukewarm to prevent melting!)
  3. Stir in 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries for extra flavor.
  4. Carefully pour the mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or until fully set. (Tip: For best results, let it chill overnight!)

Notes

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, so you can easily customize it to fit your dietary needs!

Gluten-Free Version

  • Swap regular pretzels for gluten-free pretzels to make it gluten-free.

Healthier Alternatives

  • Use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter version.
  • Substitute sugar-free Jell-O and a sugar alternative to reduce sugar content.

Fruit Variations

  • Try using raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend instead of strawberries.
  • For an extra fruity kick, add a thin layer of strawberry jam between the cream cheese and Jello layers.
  • Author: Adam RM
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min (chilling time: 2 hours)