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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe with Creamy Layers for Summer

no bake strawberry pretzel salad - featured image
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A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, creamy layers of cream cheese and whipped topping, topped with a vibrant strawberry gelatin layer. Perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (60 grams) crushed pretzels
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 package (3 oz or 85 grams) strawberry gelatin mix
  • 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
  • 2 cups (300 grams) fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix until pretzels are evenly coated and mixture holds together when pressed.
  2. Transfer the pretzel mixture to a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and press firmly into an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  3. Remove from oven and let the crust cool completely on a wire rack, about 20 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gently fold in whipped topping until no streaks remain. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
  5. Place the dish in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the creamy layer firm up slightly.
  6. In a medium bowl, stir strawberry gelatin powder into boiling water until completely dissolved. Let cool to room temperature but not set.
  7. Toss sliced fresh strawberries into the cooled gelatin mixture. Spread gently over the chilled cream cheese layer.
  8. Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so the gelatin layer sets firmly and flavors meld.
  9. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Do not skip cooling the crust before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water and cool to room temperature before adding strawberries and pouring over the creamy layer to maintain clean layers. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Use crushed gluten-free pretzels or nuts for a gluten-free crust. Substitute cream cheese and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry pretzel salad, summer dessert, creamy layers, pretzel crust, easy dessert, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe-with-creamy-layers-for-summer/