Ingredients
Jello Layer
- 6 oz Strawberry Jello
- 2 cups Boiling water
- 1 lb Strawberries, sliced
Pretzel Crust
- 2 cups Pretzels, crushed
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 8 tbsp Unsalted Butter
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 8 oz Whipped Topping, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Dissolve Jello: In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry Jello with boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Make Pretzel Crust: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, then add 1/4 cup sugar. Stir in the crushed pretzels until evenly coated.
- Press Pretzel Mixture: Transfer the pretzel mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and press evenly across the bottom with a fork.
- Bake Pretzel Crust: Bake the pretzel base in the oven for about 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until combined.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, covering the entire surface.
- Chill Cream Cheese Layer: Refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes to allow the cream cheese layer to set.
- Add Strawberries to Jello: Stir the sliced strawberries into the cooled, but still liquid, jello mixture.
- Pour Jello Layer: Carefully pour the strawberry-jello mixture over the cream cheese layer, distributing evenly.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled salad for 2 to 3 hours, or until the jello layer is fully set.
- Serve: Once set, slice and serve your refreshing Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to allow each layer to cool properly before adding the next to prevent melting and mixing layers.
- Crusting the pretzel mixture firmly ensures a sturdy base for the salad.
- The dessert is best served chilled and can be refrigerated up to 2 days.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American