This Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is a delightful mix of sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity flavors. The crunchy pretzel crust provides the perfect contrast to the creamy cheesecake layer and juicy strawberry topping. Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion, this easy-to-make dessert is a timeless favorite that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed into small pieces
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 packages (3 oz each) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely. - Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure it reaches all edges to seal the crust. This helps prevent the strawberry topping from soaking into the crust. - Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, gently fold in the sliced strawberries. - Assemble the Dessert:
Pour the cooled strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. - Serve:
Slice the dessert into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and fruity flavors!
Tips for Success
- For an extra crunch, reserve some crushed pretzels to sprinkle over the top before serving.
- Make sure the cream cheese layer is spread all the way to the edges to create a seal, which keeps the crust crunchy.
- You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available—just thaw them first and drain excess liquid.
- Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is a classic treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite. With its crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and refreshing strawberry topping, this dessert is sure to become a favorite at your family gatherings and celebrations. Simple to make yet incredibly delicious, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert: The Perfect Sweet & Salty Treat!
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert combines a crunchy, salty pretzel crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet strawberry topping for the ultimate dessert. Easy, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- For the Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups pretzels crushed into small pieces
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping like Cool Whip
- For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 packages 3 oz each strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure it reaches all edges to seal the crust. This helps prevent the strawberry topping from soaking into the crust.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- Pour the cooled strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
- Serve:
- Slice the dessert into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and fruity flavors!
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