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Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad: Sweet, Salty, and Creamy

A close-up of a perfectly layered slice of strawberry pretzel salad showing the crust, cream cheese layer, and 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 vibrant strawberry Jello topping. This make-ahead dessert is perfect for potlucks and 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 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen strawberries, thawed and drained

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let the crust cool completely.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  3. In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin completely in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir in the thawed and drained strawberries. Let this mixture cool until it thickens slightly, about 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it syrupy, not fully set.
  4. Gently spoon the slightly thickened strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set.
  6. Before serving, spread the remaining half of the thawed whipped topping over the set gelatin layer. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh strawberries for the frozen ones, but ensure they are sliced or chopped before adding them to the gelatin mixture.
  • For the best results when making ahead, wait to add the final whipped topping layer until just before serving.
  • This recipe is a fantastic make-ahead dessert for potlucks and holiday meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/strawberry-pretzel-salad-classic-recipe/