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Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe

4.8 from 90 reviews

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is a delightful no-bake treat combining a crunchy salty pretzel crust with a creamy sweet layer and a vibrant strawberry gelatin topping, perfect for summer gatherings or casual dessert cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Crust

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

Strawberry Topping

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Prepare pretzel crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl until the mixture becomes evenly moist. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
  2. Spread cream layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, creating a smooth layer. Refrigerate while preparing the gelatin.
  3. Top with strawberry gelatin: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin package in 1 cup of boiling water; stir until completely dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature but not set. Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. Carefully pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the strawberries to cover them completely.
  4. Chill until firm: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin topping is fully set and firm. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth cream layer without lumps.
  • You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
  • Make sure the gelatin mixture is cooled enough before pouring it over the cream to avoid melting the cream layer.
  • Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best flavor and texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
  • Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert, no-bake dessert, pretzel crust, creamy dessert, gelatin dessert, easy summer dessert