Description
Sweet meets salty in this classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad, a delightful dessert blending creamy cream cheese, tangy strawberries, and crunchy pretzel crust. Southern gatherings come alive with this irresistible treat that promises pure indulgence in every refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 tbsp sugar
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
Topping:
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly crush pretzels into fine, uneven crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes a cohesive, slightly crumbly texture.
- Press the pretzel mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a uniform crust layer.
- Bake the pretzel crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant, then remove and allow to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar until well blended.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy filling.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture carefully over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin completely in boiling water, then add cold water to create the liquid gelatin base.
- Arrange fresh sliced strawberries in an even layer over the cream cheese filling.
- Slowly pour the liquid gelatin over the strawberries, making sure to distribute evenly without disturbing the strawberry placement.
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight until gelatin is fully set and firm.
- Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the contrasting textures of crispy pretzel, creamy filling, and vibrant gelatin topping.
Notes
- Use a food processor for consistently fine pretzel crumbs, ensuring a uniform crust texture that holds together perfectly.
- Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding cream cheese layer to prevent melting and maintain distinct layers.
- Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth, silky filling that spreads easily.
- For gluten-free option, substitute traditional pretzels with gluten-free pretzels or almond flour crust, maintaining the signature sweet-salty base.
- Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to preserve its airy texture and prevent deflating the delicate volume.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg