Strawberry pretzel salad is a classic layered dessert with the perfect mix of sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity flavors. It starts with a crunchy crushed pretzel crust, followed by a smooth cream cheese and whipped topping layer, then finishes with a bright strawberry gelatin topping. Even though it is called a salad, this recipe is definitely a dessert, and it is a great choice for potlucks, family dinners, holidays, or any time you want something cool and refreshing.
This version was inspired by a Paula Deen recipe and made lighter for Weight Watchers. It still has the same delicious layers and texture, but uses lighter ingredients where possible. You do not need to wait for a special occasion to make strawberry pretzel salad. It is simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe can be a little tricky the first time because each layer needs to be prepared correctly. The crust must be baked and cooled, the cream cheese layer needs to be spread all the way to the edges, and the gelatin mixture should be cooled before it is added on top. Once you understand the timing, strawberry pretzel salad is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
If you enjoy easy dessert recipes, you may also like no-bake chocolate peanut butter cookies, no-bake chocolate peanut butter pie, or chewy no-bake granola bars.
Tips for Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Prepare the strawberry gelatin layer first, because it takes the longest to cool and set.
- Let the gelatin mixture cool before pouring it over the cream cheese layer. If it is too warm, it may seep through the other layers.
- Spread the cream cheese and whipped topping layer completely over the pretzel crust, all the way to the edges of the dish. This helps create a barrier between the crust and gelatin.
- Use strawberry gelatin for the classic version, or change the flavor if you prefer. Raspberry gelatin, mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, or fruit cocktail can also work well.
- Do not worry if a little of the gelatin mixture seeps down into the pretzel layer. It can happen, and the dessert will still taste delicious.
Ingredients
- Crushed Pretzels – These create the salty, crunchy crust. Crushed graham crackers or wafer cookies can be used as a substitute.
- Melted Butter – Helps bind the pretzel crust together. Light butter or margarine may be used if desired.
- Cream Cheese – Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing so it blends smoothly.
- Frozen Whipped Topping – Fat-free whipped topping keeps the recipe lighter. Heavy whipping cream can be used, but it will change the nutrition and points.
- White Sugar – Sweetens the crust and the cream cheese layer. Sugar substitutes may be used according to the conversion instructions for the product you choose.
- Strawberry Gelatin – Regular or sugar-free strawberry gelatin can be used.
- Boiling Water – The water must be boiling so the gelatin dissolves properly.
- Strawberries – Use frozen strawberries or fresh strawberries. Chop them smaller if you do not want large pieces in the topping.
- See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Step 2: Stir together the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the next layer.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure it reaches the edges of the dish.
Step 4: Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir in the frozen strawberries and allow the mixture to cool and thicken briefly. When it reaches a loose, egg-white-like consistency, carefully pour and spread it over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until fully set.
Recipe Tips
The most common challenge with strawberry pretzel salad is keeping the gelatin layer from seeping into the pretzel crust. The best way to reduce this is to let the crust cool completely, spread the cream cheese layer to every edge, and avoid adding the gelatin while it is still warm.
If you prefer smaller pieces of fruit, chop the strawberries before adding them to the gelatin. This makes the topping easier to slice and gives each serving a more even strawberry flavor.
This dessert is also easy to customize. Strawberry gelatin is the classic choice, but you can use other gelatin flavors and fruits depending on what you like. Just keep the same basic layering method for the best results.
Recipe FAQs
Pretzel salad is a sweet and salty layered dessert. It is typically made with a crushed pretzel crust, a creamy layer made with sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping, and a fruit gelatin layer on top. Strawberry and raspberry are two of the most popular flavors.
Yes, strawberry pretzel salad can be made the night before. Making it ahead gives the dessert time to chill and set properly. Prepare the crust, add the cream cheese layer, and top it with the cooled strawberry gelatin mixture. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Other Recipes to Try
Starbucks salted caramel cream cold brew copycat
Pumpkin cheesecake bars
If you tried this strawberry pretzel salad or any other recipe, leave a star rating and share how it turned out in the comments. Feedback is always appreciated.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Author: Jenna
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 8-10 min
- Total Time: 28 min
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake and Chill
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry pretzel salad is a layered dessert made with a salty crushed pretzel crust, a sweet cream cheese and whipped topping layer, and a strawberry gelatin topping. It is cool, creamy, crunchy, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 8 oz package fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 1 8 oz container fat-free whipped topping, thawed
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 3 oz package strawberry gelatin, regular or sugar-free
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 10 oz package frozen strawberries or fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In a bowl, stir together the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is set. Set aside and let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure it reaches the edges of the dish.
- Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir in the strawberries and allow the mixture to cool slightly and thicken. If the gelatin is too warm, it may seep through the other layers.
- Pour the cooled strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until set.
- Slice into 9 equal portions and serve chilled.
Notes
For a lighter version, use fat-free whipped topping, fat-free cream cheese, sugar-free gelatin, and light margarine. Using those ingredients, the recipe is 7 points per serving according to the WW recipe builder.
myWW points: blue 7; green 7; purple 7.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 247
- Sugar: 27g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g