Go Back
- 2 cups pretzel twists - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) - 1 cup boiling water - 6 oz strawberry gelatin - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced - 1 cup cold water To create a great Strawberry Pretzel Salad, we need to gather the right ingredients. The base starts with pretzel twists. They give a salty crunch that balances the sweetness. Next, we need unsalted butter, which adds richness. We also use granulated sugar, both to mix in and to top the cream cheese layer. Cream cheese is key for our filling. It makes the salad creamy and smooth. Whipped topping adds lightness and airiness. Strawberry gelatin gives that lovely fruity flavor. Fresh strawberries add a burst of freshness and color. Lastly, we need water, both boiling and cold, to prepare the gelatin. These ingredients work together to create layers of flavor and texture in this delightful dish. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of pretzel twists with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Stir well until the pretzels are fully coated. Next, spread this mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes. After that, take it out and let it cool completely. In another clean bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with the remaining ½ cup of sugar. You want it to be smooth and creamy. Once mixed, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. This creates a light and airy filling. Spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel layer. Make sure it covers the pretzels all the way to the edges. Now, let’s make the strawberry layer. Start by dissolving 6 oz of strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until it's fully dissolved, then add 1 cup of cold water. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once it’s cool, add 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries into the gelatin. Pour this fruity mixture over the cream cheese layer in your dish. Finally, refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours. This allows the gelatin to set completely. When it’s ready, cut it into squares and serve it chilled. Enjoy this delightful treat! To make the best Strawberry Pretzel Salad, focus on the texture. The pretzel layer should be crunchy, while the cream cheese layer is smooth. Start by mixing the pretzels with melted butter and sugar. Bake them for just 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy. Let the pretzel crust cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer. Cooling helps the layers set well and keeps the salad from becoming soggy. If you need alternatives, you can swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. For whipped topping, you can use whipped coconut cream. This gives a nice flavor twist. If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries work too. Just thaw and slice them before adding them to the gelatin. Presentation makes your dish more inviting. Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad in individual cups for a fun touch. This way, each serving looks special. You can also add a fresh strawberry on top for garnish. For a creative plate, use a drizzle of strawberry sauce around the edges. This adds color and flair to your dish. {{image_2}} You can have fun with flavors in Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Try using different fruits. Mango and raspberry work great. These fruits add a unique twist. Just remember to keep the fruit fresh and ripe for the best taste. You can also play with flavored gelatin. Instead of strawberry, try blue raspberry or peach. Each flavor gives a new taste. This lets you create a salad that fits your mood. If you need gluten-free options, swap pretzel twists for gluten-free pretzels. Make sure to check the labels. There are tasty brands that fit this need. Your salad will still taste great! For a low-sugar alternative, use sugar substitutes. Products like stevia or erythritol work well. Just adjust the amount to match your taste. This way, you can enjoy your salad without worry. To keep your Strawberry Pretzel Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. First, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps the flavors strong. If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container. This helps to avoid drying out the salad. Make sure to keep it chilled, as this dessert tastes best cold. You can freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad, but it’s best to do this with caution. First, let the salad set and cool completely in the fridge. Then, cut it into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. To enjoy later, thaw the salad in the fridge overnight. This will keep the taste and texture as fresh as possible. Yes, you can make Strawberry Pretzel Salad up to a day in advance. This gives the layers time to set well. I often prepare it the night before a meal. That way, it’s ready to serve when guests arrive. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. Strawberry Pretzel Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. If you see any signs of spoilage, it’s best to toss it. Always check for changes in smell or texture before eating. You can add many fun toppings to your salad! Here are a few ideas: - Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. - Drizzles of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness. - Coconut flakes for a tropical twist. - Fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Feel free to get creative with your toppings! This blog post covered how to make a delightful Strawberry Pretzel Salad. You learned about the ingredients needed and how to prepare each layer. The tips and tricks section gave you tools for perfecting the dish. We also explored various flavor options and how to store it properly. Remember, you can make this dessert with different fruits and keep it in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and share this fun recipe with friends and family!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Indulge in this Strawberry Delight Pretzel Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! With a crispy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry topping, it’s a stunning treat sure to impress. Discover how to create this delectable dessert in simple steps that anyone can follow. Ready to impress your guests?
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups pretzel twists

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

1 cup boiling water

6 oz strawberry gelatin

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

1 cup cold water

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a mixing bowl, combine the pretzel twists with the melted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar. Mix until the pretzels are evenly coated.

      Spread the pretzel mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.

        In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth.

          Gently fold in the whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

            Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to spread it evenly to the edges of the dish.

              In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then stir in the cold water. Allow it to cool slightly.

                Once the gelatin is cool, add the sliced strawberries to the gelatin mixture.

                  Pour the strawberry and gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer in the dish.

                    Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.

                      Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled.

                        Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 12

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve in individual glasses or cups for a more elegant look, and garnish each serving with a fresh strawberry on top.