Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Delight Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Delight is a classic layered dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese and Cool Whip middle, and a bright, fruity strawberry Jell-O topping with fresh strawberries. This refreshing and indulgent no-bake salad balances crunchy, creamy, and fruity textures with a perfect blend of salty and sweet flavors, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Jell-O Layer

  • 6 oz strawberry Jell-O mix
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 16 oz strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled and sliced)

Pretzel Crust

  • 2 1/2 cups salted pretzels (measured before crushing)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed in refrigerator)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Jell-O: In a small bowl, combine the strawberry Jell-O mix with 2 cups of boiling water. Whisk thoroughly until the Jell-O is completely dissolved. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
  2. Make Pretzel Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pretzels in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into small crumbs using a mallet or rolling pin. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and add the crushed pretzels, stirring until well combined. Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and cool to room temperature.
  3. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip with a spatula until no white streaks remain. Spread the cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges to prevent Jell-O seepage. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Evenly arrange the sliced strawberries over the chilled cream cheese layer. Then, carefully pour the cooled but still liquid Jell-O mixture over the strawberries, filling the dish but being careful not to overflow—omit some Jell-O if necessary. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours or until the Jell-O is fully set.
  5. Serve: Once set, slice the dessert into squares and serve cold. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • If your dish is shallow and the Jell-O mixture is too much, you can omit some of the liquid Jell-O; this won’t affect the final texture or taste.
  • Ensure the pretzel crust is well sealed with the cream cheese layer to prevent the Jell-O from seeping through and creating uneven layers.
  • You can use fresh or frozen strawberries; if frozen, thaw and drain them before slicing.
  • For best results, allow the dessert to chill until the Jell-O is completely firm before slicing.
  • This dessert should be served and stored chilled to maintain texture and freshness.

Find it online: http://evelynscooking.com/strawberry-pretzel-salad-delight-recipe/