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Classic Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Close-up of a square slice of strawberry pretzel salad showing a pretzel crust, cream cheese layer, and strawberry topping.
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Make this easy, make-ahead Strawberry Pretzel Salad featuring a salty pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet strawberry Jello topping. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry gelatin (Jello)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, crushed pretzels, cold butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and cold heavy whipping cream until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the topping.
  5. Prepare the strawberry Jello layer: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
  6. Stir in the thawed and drained strawberries and 1 cup of cold water into the gelatin mixture. Let this mixture cool at room temperature until it is slightly thickened but still liquid (about 30 to 45 minutes). Do not let it set completely.
  7. Pour the slightly thickened strawberry mixture evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer.
  8. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the Jello is fully set.
  9. Cut into squares and serve cold.

Notes

  • You can substitute the heavy whipping cream with an equal amount of frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed, for a slightly different texture in the cream cheese layer.
  • Ensure the strawberries are well-drained before adding them to the Jello mixture to prevent the final layer from becoming too watery.
  • This dessert holds up well and is excellent for making one day ahead of your event.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe/