Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe with Crunchy Pretzel Crust Easy and Best
A quick and easy dessert salad featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a fluffy cream cheese layer, and a sweet strawberry gelatin topping. Perfect for gatherings and loved by kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 package (6 ounces) strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels and granulated sugar. Pour in melted butter and mix well until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it’s compact and even. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes with an electric mixer). Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture using a spatula, preserving airy texture.
- Spread cream cheese layer evenly over cooled pretzel crust and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to set.
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Let cool for 10-15 minutes but do not let set.
- Arrange sliced strawberries evenly over chilled cream cheese layer. Pour cooled gelatin mixture gently over strawberries, ensuring they’re fully covered.
- Refrigerate entire salad for at least 4 hours or until gelatin is firm.
- Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for smoothness. Fold whipped cream gently to keep texture airy. Let gelatin cool before pouring to avoid melting cream layer. Chill salad at least 4 hours for best results. Crushed pretzels should be small pieces, not powder. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of rec
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, creamy dessert, pretzel crust, easy dessert, layered salad, sweet and salty dessert