Description
A delicious and refreshing Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad featuring a crunchy baked pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a bright strawberry jello topping with fresh strawberries. This no-fuss dessert is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Jello Layer
- 6 oz Strawberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Dissolve Jello: In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry jello powder in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved and then let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Pretzel Crust: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar and then combine this mixture with the crushed pretzels until evenly coated.
- Bake the Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Combine Strawberries and Jello: Fold the sliced fresh strawberries into the cooled strawberry jello mixture. Pour this strawberry jello topping evenly over the cream cheese layer in the pan.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 2-3 hours or until fully set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the jello mixture is completely cooled before adding strawberries to prevent them from cooking or wilting.
- Press the pretzel crust firmly into the pan to avoid a crumbly base.
- For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and real whipped topping.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for optimal flavor and sweetness.
