Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a quintessential dessert that perfectly combines the crunch of pretzels with the creamy richness of a cheesecake layer and the fruity freshness of strawberries. This classic dish is ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday feasts, offering a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Layer:
1 (6 oz) package strawberry Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is well combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges to prevent the strawberry layer from seeping through. Refrigerate while preparing the next layer.
Make the Strawberry Layer: Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water in a large bowl. Stir in the sliced strawberries. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it over the cream cheese layer.
Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the Jell-O is fully set.
Serve: Slice and serve cold. Enjoy this delightful sweet-and-salty treat!
Serving Tips:
Chill Well: Ensure that the Strawberry Pretzel Salad is well-chilled before serving. This allows the Jell-O layer to fully set and makes slicing easier.
Cut Cleanly: Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares. For a cleaner cut, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
Garnish: Add a few fresh strawberry slices or a dollop of whipped topping on each serving for an extra touch of elegance.
Serve Cold: This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Portion Control: For a perfect serving size, aim for approximately 12 portions, as this recipe yields about 12 servings.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate: Store the Strawberry Pretzel Salad in the refrigerator. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods.
Shelf Life: The dessert will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The pretzel crust may become slightly softer over time, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Freezing: Although not typically recommended, you can freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad if needed. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Note that the texture of the pretzel crust may change after freezing and thawing.
Layer Separation: If storing for an extended period, you might notice some separation between the layers. Simply re-chill the dessert to help the layers meld together before serving.
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FAQs:
Can I make Strawberry Pretzel Salad ahead of time?
Yes, Strawberry Pretzel Salad is ideal for making ahead of time. Prepare it a day or two before your event and store it in the refrigerator. This will give the layers plenty of time to set and meld together, making it an easy and convenient dessert option.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the Jell-O mixture to prevent excess liquid from affecting the consistency of the dessert.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?
Yes, you can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream. To do so, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain its light and airy texture.
How do I fix a runny Jell-O layer?
If your Jell-O layer is runny, it may not have set properly. Ensure that the Jell-O mixture is completely cooled and thickened slightly before pouring it over the cream cheese layer. If it’s already been poured and hasn’t set, refrigerate it longer. If the problem persists, you might need to remake the Jell-O mixture, ensuring it’s properly dissolved and cooled before adding the strawberries.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a visually appealing dessert that is sure to impress. With its layers of crunchy pretzels, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries, it’s the perfect addition to any dessert spread. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just looking for a delicious way to end your meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this refreshing and indulgent dessert!
📖 Recipe:
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Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. Featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and fresh strawberry topping, it’s a classic choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe combines simple ingredients for a deliciously refreshing treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Layer:
1 (6 oz) package strawberry Jell-O
2 cups boiling water
1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cooled pretzel crust and refrigerate.
- Dissolve strawberry Jell-O in boiling water. Stir in sliced strawberries and cool slightly. Pour over cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until Jell-O is fully set. Slice and serve cold.
Notes
For best results, ensure the Jell-O mixture is slightly cooled before pouring it over the cream cheese layer to prevent mixing.
You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if desired.
Garnish with extra strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
