Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
A classic, nostalgic layered dessert that perfectly balances salty and sweet. Featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a velvety cream cheese layer, and vibrant strawberry Jell-O.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 280
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking/No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
6 oz strawberry Jell-O mix
2 cups boiling water
16 oz strawberries fresh or frozen (hulled & sliced)
2 1/2 cups salted pretzels (measured before crushing)
3/4 cup butter unsalted
3 tbsp granulated sugar
8 oz cream cheese softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
8 oz Cool Whip thawed
Instructions
1. Dissolve Jell-O in 2 cups boiling water. Let cool to room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 350° F. Crush pretzels into small crumbles.
3. Melt butter and 3 tbsp sugar in a pot. Stir in pretzel crumbs.
4. Press mixture into a 9×13 dish and bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy. Fold in Cool Whip.
6. Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust, sealing the edges completely.
7. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Layer strawberries on top.
8. Pour cooled Jell-O over strawberries. Refrigerate 2-4 hours until set.
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese layer touches all four sides of the pan to prevent the Jell-O from leaking into the crust.
Using Cool Whip is recommended over fresh whipped cream for stability.