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Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A nostalgic layered dessert featuring a buttery pretzel crust, silky cream cheese layer, and a glossy strawberry gelatin topping with fresh berries.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pretzel Crust
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Layer
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
For the Strawberry Layer
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 (6 oz) package strawberry gelatin
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar; mix well.
  3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish to form the crust.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes; allow to cool completely.
  5. Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  6. Fold in whipped topping until combined.
  7. Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust and seal edges.
  8. Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water; cool to room temperature.
  9. Stir sliced strawberries into gelatin; pour over cream layer.
  10. Refrigerate at least 3–4 hours until set.
Serving
  1. Serve chilled, straight from the fridge so the layers stay neat.
  2. Cut with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean edges.
  3. Plate it with a small dollop of extra whipped cream or a whole strawberry on top for a picture-perfect finish.

Notes

Press the crust firmly and evenly for a solid base; cool the crust completely before adding the cream layer to avoid melting. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.