Of course! Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a beloved classic, especially in the Midwest and the South. Despite its name, it’s a dessert (or a very sweet side dish) that perfectly combines sweet, salty, and creamy textures.
It has three distinct layers: a salty-sweet pretzel crust, a creamy middle layer, and a strawberry Jell-O topping.
Here is a classic and foolproof recipe.
Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the salty crust and the sweet toppings.
Yields: 9×13 inch pan (about 12-15 servings)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 4+ hours (overnight is best)
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust:
· 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 5-6 oz of whole pretzels)
· 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
· 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Creamy Middle Layer:
· 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 cup granulated sugar
· 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For the Strawberry Top Layer:
· 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
· 2 cups boiling water
· 2 (16 oz) packages frozen sliced strawberries (do not thaw) OR 1.5 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
· Pro Tip: No need to grease the 9×13 inch baking dish. The buttery crust will release easily. - Make the Pretzel Crust:
· In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar until combined.
· Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the 9×13 inch pan.
· Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial! If the crust is warm, it will melt the next layer. - Make the Creamy Middle Layer:
· In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy.
· Gently fold in the entire container of thawed whipped topping with a spatula until no white streaks remain.
· Carefully spread this creamy mixture over the completely cooled pretzel crust.
· Important: Make sure this layer seals the edges and touches the sides of the pan to prevent the next layer from seeping through. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the top layer. - Make the Strawberry Top Layer:
· In a heatproof bowl or large measuring cup, dissolve the strawberry gelatin packets in the 2 cups of boiling water. Stir for at least 2 minutes until it’s completely dissolved.
· Stir in the frozen strawberries. The cold strawberries will quickly cool down the gelatin. (If using fresh strawberries, you will need to let the gelatin cool at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before adding them, otherwise the fruit will float.)
· Carefully and slowly pour the strawberry-gelatin mixture over the chilled creamy layer. - Chill: Immediately return the pan to the refrigerator.
· Chill for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the gelatin to set completely. - Serve: Cut into squares and serve cold. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat slices.
Recipe Notes & Tips for Success
· Crushing Pretzels: Place pretzels in a sturdy zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. You want a mix of fine crumbs and small pieces for the best texture.
· Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This is non-negotiable for a smooth, lump-free middle layer. Take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you start.
· Prevent Leaking: The step of ensuring the creamy layer seals the crust is the #1 trick to a perfect dessert. A warm crust or gaps in the layer will let the Jell-O leak through and make the crust soggy.
· Variations:
· Other Fruits: This is fantastic with other berry flavors! Try using raspberry gelatin with frozen raspberries, or cherry gelatin with frozen dark sweet cherries.
· Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese, sugar-free gelatin, and light whipped topping.
· From Scratch: You can substitute the frozen whipped topping with 2 cups of freshly whipped heavy cream (sweetened with a little powdered sugar). Fold it into the sweetened cream cheese mixture.
Enjoy this quintessential sweet-and-salty treat