Strawberry Pretzel Dessert stands out as a timeless favorite, perfectly balancing sweet and salty flavors. For those seeking a lighter indulgence, it’s often playfully referred to as Strawberry Pretzel “Salad”. This delightful treat is ideal for potlucks, summer gatherings, or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth with a unique twist.
Inspired by classic American desserts, this recipe echoes the comforting and straightforward style often associated with home cooking. It’s a dessert that brings together different textures and tastes in a harmonious way. The salty pretzel crust provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and the sweet, fruity strawberry topping.
This dessert was recently made for a special occasion, a June birthday, where a lighter, non-chocolatey option was requested. While other strawberry-centric desserts like strawberry layer cake, tres leches cake, and hot milk sponge cake have been featured in the past, this Strawberry Pretzel Dessert offered a refreshing and slightly different take on a fruity dessert. The versatility of strawberries makes them a beloved ingredient, perfect for showcasing in both simple and elaborate desserts.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
A top-down view of a freshly made Strawberry Pretzel Dessert, showcasing its layered composition with a pretzel crust, creamy filling, and vibrant strawberry topping.
The magic of this Strawberry Pretzel Dessert lies in its combination of textures and flavors. The slightly salty pretzel crust provides a foundation that is both crunchy and flavorful. The middle layer is a cool, creamy dream, thanks to the blend of cream cheese and whipped topping. Finally, the topping brings a burst of freshness with strawberry Jell-O and the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. This layered approach ensures every bite is an exciting mix of sensations.
While some might be hesitant about a pretzel crust, the salty element is key to balancing the overall sweetness of the dessert. For those who prefer a less salty base, or who are not fans of pretzels, an alternative crust of crushed graham crackers can be used. However, it’s worth noting that while graham crackers offer a familiar sweetness, they tend to become softer in the refrigerator compared to the pretzel crust, which maintains its delightful crunch.
This Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is incredibly easy to make and is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a make-ahead dessert, which makes it perfect for busy schedules or when preparing for a gathering. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
An angled close-up shot of Strawberry Pretzel Dessert slices on a white plate, highlighting the creamy layers and juicy strawberry topping, inviting a taste.
Whether you call it a dessert or a salad, one thing is for sure: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is a guaranteed hit. Its unique combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy makes it irresistible. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet impressive dessert to share and enjoy.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
A side view of Strawberry Pretzel Dessert in a glass baking dish, showing the distinct pretzel crust, cream cheese layer, and strawberry gelatin topping, ready to be served.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
A close-up shot of a single serving of Strawberry Pretzel Dessert on a dessert plate, garnished with fresh strawberries, emphasizing the dessert’s appealing texture and fresh ingredients.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe
This recipe provides a detailed guide to making your own delightful Strawberry Pretzel Dessert at home.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Yields: 12-15 servings
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2½ cups pretzel twists, finely crushed
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups boiling water
- 6 oz package strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 20 oz frozen strawberries, partially thawed and sliced if large
Instructions
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Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed pretzels, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until all pretzels are moistened. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
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Bake the Crust: Bake the pretzel crust in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. This is crucial for preventing the cream cheese layer from melting.
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Make the Cream Cheese Layer: While the crust is cooling, prepare the cream cheese layer. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and fully combined.
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Assemble the Cream Cheese Layer: Once the pretzel crust is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Ensure it reaches all edges for a uniform layer.
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Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a separate large bowl, pour the boiling water over the strawberry gelatin powder. Stir continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add the partially thawed strawberries to the gelatin mixture. Stir gently to combine and break up any large clumps of strawberries. Let this mixture sit at room temperature and stir occasionally until it begins to slightly thicken but is still pourable. This prevents the strawberries from sinking to the bottom.
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Add the Strawberry Topping: Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin and strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
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Chill and Set: Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to fully set.
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Serve: Once chilled and set, cut the Strawberry Pretzel Dessert into squares or rectangles to serve. Garnish with extra fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy this delightful sweet and salty treat!
