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Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad: Sweet and Salty Potluck Favorite

A square slice of strawberry pretzel salad with a pretzel crust, cream cheese layer, and bright red strawberry topping.
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Make this classic three-layer Strawberry Pretzel Salad. It features a crunchy, salty pretzel crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a sweet strawberry Jello topping. This make-ahead dessert is perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
  • 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry gelatin (Jello)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen strawberries, partially thawed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. Prepare the cream cheese layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until just combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  5. Chill the crust and cream cheese layer in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the topping.
  6. Prepare the strawberry gelatin: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin completely in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of cold water and stir until fully combined.
  7. Gently fold the partially thawed frozen strawberries into the gelatin mixture.
  8. Pour the strawberry gelatin mixture carefully over the chilled cream cheese layer.
  9. Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the gelatin is completely set. Cut into squares and serve cold.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh strawberries for the frozen ones if you prefer, but you will need to let the Jello set longer as fresh fruit can sometimes slow the setting process.
  • For an extra salty crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the pretzel crust mixture before baking.
  • This is a great make-ahead dessert; prepare it the day before your event for best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe-easy/