Print

Old Fashioned Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

Old Fashioned Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy cream cheese topping, fresh strawberries, and a strawberry Jello layer. This retro favorite balances sweet, salty, and tart flavors, making it perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 ½ cups pretzel twists, crushed
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed

Jello Layer

  • 16 ounces sliced strawberries
  • 6 ounces strawberry Jello mix (1 package)
  • 2 cups water

For Decoration (Optional)

  • Additional strawberries
  • Additional pretzels
  • Additional whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside for later.
  2. Crush Pretzels: Using a food processor, crush pretzel twists until you measure 2 ½ cups of crushed pretzels. Transfer to a medium bowl.
  3. Mix Crust Ingredients: Add melted butter and ¼ cup sugar to the crushed pretzels. Stir until well combined.
  4. Form Crust: Press this pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a solid crust layer.
  5. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After baking, remove and allow it to cool completely before adding the next layer.
  6. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a stand mixer bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until smooth and creamy.
  7. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
  8. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, pushing it all the way to the edges to prevent the Jello from seeping through. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
  9. Make Jello Mixture: In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry Jello mix until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  10. Add Strawberry Layer: Remove the chilled baking dish from the refrigerator. Slice strawberries and arrange them evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  11. Pour Jello Layer: Slowly pour the cooled, but still liquid, Jello mixture over the sliced strawberries, ensuring even coverage.
  12. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the salad for 3 to 4 hours or until the Jello layer is fully set and firm.
  13. Serve: Optionally garnish with dollops of whipped topping, additional strawberries, and pretzels before serving. Enjoy this refreshing, sweet, and salty dessert!

Notes

  • Make sure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to avoid melting it.
  • Press the cream cheese layer to the edges of the pan to prevent the Jello from seeping through and softening the crust.
  • Allow Jello to cool to room temperature before pouring to keep the whipped topping from melting.
  • Use fresh strawberries for best texture and appearance in the topping layer.
  • This dessert is best served chilled and eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad, Layered Dessert, Pretzel Crust, Cream Cheese Salad, Summer Dessert, Party Dessert

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/old-fashioned-strawberry-jello-pretzel-salad-recipe/