Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

This strawberry pretzel salad recipe is perfect for fans of the sweet and salty flavor pairing.

Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• cup butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry-flavored Jell-O
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen strawberries

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Make the pretzel crust: In a large bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix thoroughly until everything is well-combined.
3. Press the crust: Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is set. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
4. Prepare the cream cheese topping: In a separate large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, blending everything together until creamy.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture: Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top, creating a smooth layer.
6. Prepare the Jell-O layer: Dissolve the strawberry-flavored Jell-O in the boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add the frozen strawberries to the Jell-O mixture while they are still frozen, and allow the mixture to set briefly, just until it thickens slightly.
7. Spread the Jell-O mixture: Carefully pour the Jell-O and strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 2 hours, or until the layers are fully set and the dessert is firm to the touch.
9. Serve and enjoy: Once the salad has set, slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors!

Can You Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! This strawberry pretzel salad is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, it's ideal for preparing a day in advance, as it needs several hours in the fridge to set properly.

How Long Does Strawberry Pretzel Salad Last In the Fridge?

If you have leftovers, cover the salad tightly with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy cream cheese layer may separate once thawed, affecting the texture and taste.

Community Tips and Praise

• "I've made this recipe twice," says Amy Shipley Carpenter. "The second time I doubled the crust and used heavy whipping cream instead of whipped topping. It turned out fantastic!"
• "This has been a family favorite for years," says Susan Teneza. "I find that it's easier to divide the process into three steps, letting each layer cool properly, which always gives me the best results!"
• "This is about the thousandth time Ive made this recipe," says another Allrecipes community member. "My family loves it, and Im always asked to bring it to gatherings!"

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 424
• Total Fat: 23g (30% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 16g (78% DV)
• Cholesterol: 51mg (17% DV)
• Sodium: 442mg (19% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 52g (19% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% DV)
• Total Sugars: 38g
• Protein: 5g (9% DV)
• Vitamin C: 19mg (21% DV)
• Calcium: 33mg (3% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (7% DV)
• Potassium: 119mg (3% DV)