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Creamy Crunchy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert

strawberry pretzel salad dessert - featured image
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A quick and easy layered dessert combining a salty pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries with strawberry jello. Perfect for summer gatherings and last-minute celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed mini pretzels
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 8 ounces (about 1 cup) whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 package (3 oz or 85g) strawberry jello mix
  • 2 cups (475ml) boiling water
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush 2 cups of pretzels finely using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and rolling over them.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 cup melted butter. Stir until evenly coated and crumbly.
  3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, making an even layer.
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set and slightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool completely.
  5. Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth.
  6. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
  7. Gently fold in 8 ounces thawed whipped topping, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
  8. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust and refrigerate while preparing the next layer.
  9. Dissolve the strawberry jello mix in 2 cups boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
  10. Let the jello cool for 15-20 minutes but do not let it set.
  11. Arrange 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the creamy layer.
  12. Pour the slightly cooled jello mixture carefully over the strawberries, allowing it to seep through and settle.
  13. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or until the jello is firm.
  14. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Do not skip baking the crust to prevent sogginess. Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Fold whipped topping gently to keep the filling light. Cool jello before pouring to avoid melting the creamy layer. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Fresh strawberries are preferred over frozen for texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry dessert, pretzel salad, creamy dessert, summer treat, easy dessert, layered dessert, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/creamy-crunchy-strawberry-pretzel-salad-dessert-easy-recipe-for-perfect-summer-treat/