Print

Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad

creamy strawberry pretzel salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, crunchy, and sweet strawberry pretzel salad perfect for potlucks and gatherings, featuring a salty pretzel crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and bright strawberry topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin mix
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Crush about 2 cups of pretzels finely but not into powder. In a medium bowl, mix crushed pretzels with 3 tablespoons sugar and 6 tablespoons melted butter until the mixture feels like wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool completely.
  4. In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer.
  5. In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula until combined and light.
  6. Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the topping.
  7. In a medium bowl, combine 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar. Let sit for about 10 minutes to macerate and release juices.
  8. In a separate bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder in 1 cup boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved. Let it cool slightly but not set.
  9. Mix the cooled gelatin with the macerated strawberries, including the juice. Pour this mixture gently over the creamy layer in the baking dish.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  11. When ready to serve, slice into squares and enjoy. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, neat slices.

Notes

Bake and cool the pretzel crust completely before adding the creamy layer to keep it crunchy. Let the strawberry gelatin cool before pouring to avoid melting the cream layer. Dip knife in hot water and wipe between cuts for clean slices. Prepare crust and filling a day ahead and add topping the morning of serving for best freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, creamy dessert, potluck dessert, pretzel crust, strawberry gelatin, easy dessert, summer dessert

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/creamy-strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-potluck-dessert/