This colorful Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad combines salty and sweet in a fun way. With a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and a refreshing strawberry layer, it’s a treat for the eyes and taste buds!
This dessert is a family favorite in my house! I love seeing everyone enjoy the mix of flavors. It’s great for potlucks and you can whip it up quickly—who doesn’t love easy and delicious?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: I love using pretzel twists for their crunch and saltiness. If you can’t find them, pretzel sticks or even graham crackers can work in a pinch, although the flavor will differ.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice for this recipe since it allows you to control the saltiness. If you prefer, you could use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Cream Cheese: You want this to be soft for easy mixing. For a lighter alternative, try using Greek yogurt. It will change the flavor slightly but still tastes great!
Whipped Topping: I prefer to use a frozen whipped topping for its stability, but you can also make your own whipped cream with heavy cream and sugar. It will be fresher this way!
Strawberry Jello: You can swap strawberry Jello for other flavors like raspberry or cherry if desired, giving it a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the color and flavor will change.
How do I ensure my Jello sets perfectly?
Getting Jello to set just right can be tricky. Follow these tips to make it easy:
- Make sure you’re using boiling water to fully dissolve the Jello. Stir for a full 2 minutes until no granules remain.
- After dissolving, adding cold water helps cool it off quickly, which aids in setting.
- Let the Jello sit at least 2-3 hours in the fridge to firm up properly before adding the topping.
These simple steps help achieve that perfect, wobbly Jello without any runny surprises!
Best Easy Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pretzel twists, crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer)
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, divided
- 2 packages (3 oz each) strawberry-flavored Jello gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4 cups cold water, divided
- 2 packages (10 oz each) frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
- Fresh blueberries (for decoration)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 20 minutes to prepare and requires a chilling time of about 2-3 hours. So, in total, plan for 2-3 hours and 20 minutes, depending on how quickly you mix and assemble everything. It’s worth the wait for such a refreshing treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with melted butter and 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir well until the pretzels are all coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan to create the crust. Now, bake it in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until it’s just slightly browned. Let it cool completely once done.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with 1 cup of sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. To this mix, fold in about half of your whipped topping until everything is well combined and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making it nice and smooth.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
Next, in a separate bowl, dissolve the two packages of strawberry Jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir it for about 2 minutes until everything is completely dissolved. Then, add in 2 cups of cold water and give it another gentle stir. Now, layer the drained thawed strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer before carefully pouring the Jello mixture over the strawberries. Place this in the refrigerator and let it set for around 2-3 hours.
4. Final Touches:
Once the Jello has fully set, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top for a fluffy finish. To make it festive, you can decorate the top with fresh strawberry slices and fresh blueberries arranged to look like the American flag—using rows of strawberries for the stripes and a section of blueberries in one corner.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Chill the dessert until you’re ready to serve it. When you do, slice it into squares and enjoy this refreshing, colorful strawberry pretzel jello salad! Perfect for gatherings, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its delightful mix of salty crunch, creamy topping, and fruity sweetness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be used instead of frozen. Just be sure to slice them and remove any excess liquid before layering them in the salad to prevent the Jello from becoming watery.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, check if it needs a little extra whipped topping to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular pretzels for gluten-free pretzel options, which are readily available. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always double-check labels just to be safe.
Is It Possible to Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
You can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free cream cheese and a non-dairy whipped topping. Coconut whipped cream is a great alternative that adds a lovely flavor!
