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strawberry pretzel salad recipe featured

Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

This beloved three-layer dessert features a buttery pretzel crust, creamy center, and sweet strawberry jello topping—the perfect blend of salty, sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Fruit Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 258258

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • ¾ cup margarine, melted
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 package
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 6 ounces strawberry flavored Jell-O® 1 package
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 20 ounces frozen strawberries 2 packages (10 ounces each)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted margarine, and 2 teaspoons sugar until well combined.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool completely.
  5. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ¾ cup sugar until smooth.
  6. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined.
  7. Once the pretzel crust has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it, making sure to seal the edges completely.
  8. In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes.
  9. Add the frozen strawberries to the gelatin mixture and stir gently.
  10. Allow this mixture to cool for approximately 15 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly but is still pourable.
  11. Carefully pour the gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it spreads evenly.
  12. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the jello is completely set.
  13. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese layer completely seals pretzel crust to prevent jello from seeping through.
  • This dessert can be made a day ahead and keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.