Description
This BEST Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and a refreshing strawberry jello topping with fresh strawberries. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a delicious dessert to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust
- 2 1/2 cups pretzels, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 16 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip or Tru Whip)
For the Strawberry Jello Layer
- 6 ounces instant strawberry jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 quart strawberries, hulled and sliced (fresh or thawed frozen)
Instructions
- Prepare Pretzel Crust: Crush pretzels in a food processor until you have about 2 1/2 cups of crushed pretzels. Add melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar, then pulse until well mixed and crumbly.
- Bake Crust: Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: Rinse out the food processor. Blend together softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the whipped topping and gently fold or blend together until creamy and smooth.
- Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to reach all edges to form a smooth layer.
- Prepare Strawberry Jello: In a quart glass measuring cup, dissolve the 6 ounces of instant strawberry jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved.
- Add Strawberries to Jello: Allow the jello to cool slightly, then fold in the sliced fresh or thawed strawberries gently to combine.
- Assemble Jello Layer: Pour the strawberry jello mixture with strawberries over the cream cheese layer evenly.
- Chill Salad: Place the assembled salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this sweet and salty strawberry pretzel jello salad as a delightful dessert or side dish for your meals!
Notes
- For best results, make sure the pretzel crust has cooled completely before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- You can use fresh or frozen strawberries; if frozen, thaw completely and drain excess juice.
- The salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cool Whip contains MSG, which may cause migraines in sensitive individuals; consider Tru Whip or another whipped topping if preferred.
- Pressing the pretzel crust evenly ensures a balanced crunch in every bite.
