Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad with Cream Cheese
This Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad with Cream Cheese is a classic dessert idea for spring parties, summer gatherings, or for Valentine’s Day. Made with crunchy pretzel crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and finished with a sweet strawberry topping.
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I love making this dessert when I need something dependable for a party or family dinner. You can make it ahead, keep it in the fridge, and it’s ready to go when you need it.
It’s great to serve with chicken recipes like Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Peppers.
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start by crushing the pretzels and mixing them with sugar and melted butter.
2. Press the mixture into a baking dish and bake until set, then let it cool completely.
3. Once the crust has cooled, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped topping.
4. Spread this layer evenly over the crust, making sure it reaches the edges.
5. Next, mix the strawberry gelatin with boiling water and let it cool slightly.
6. Stir in sliced fresh strawberries, then gently pour the mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread the strawberries out if needed.
7. Cover and refrigerate until the dessert is fully set. When you’re ready to serve, add a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry on top if you like.
Serve and Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Crushed the pretzels into small pieces so the crust holds together. Pretzel twists work better than sticks.
- Let the pretzel crust cool all the way before adding the cream cheese layer. This helps keep the layers neat.
- Spread the cream cheese layer all the way to the edges of the pan. This keeps the gelatin layer from soaking into the crust.
- Don’t Use Fresh Whipped Cream: Frozen whipped topping works best because it helps the layer set properly.
- Let the gelatin cool before pouring it on top so it doesn’t melt the cream cheese layer.
- Keep this dessert covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels pretzel twists tend to work better than the sticks
- ¾ cup butter melted
- 1 cup and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 8 oz frozen whipped topping thawed
- 6 oz package strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 lb fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Start by crushing the pretzels and mixing them with sugar and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into a baking dish and bake until set, then let it cool completely.
- Once the crust has cooled, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped topping.
- Spread this layer evenly over the crust, making sure it reaches the edges. This helps keep the crust from getting soggy.
- Next, mix the strawberry gelatin with boiling water and let it cool slightly.
- Stir in sliced fresh strawberries, then gently pour the mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread the strawberries out if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate until the dessert is fully set. When you’re ready to serve, add a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry on top if you like.
