Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad - classic dessert recipe (2024)

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This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an old-fashioned dessert recipe that still popular for a reason: it’s delicious! With its combination of a salty pretzel crust, tangy strawberry jello filling, and sweet whipped cream topping, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad - classic dessert recipe (1)

This strawberry pretzel salad dessert combines the best of everything. You have the salty and sweet thing going on with the crust and Jell-O. Then you have the rich and creamy layer. And there’s even fresh fruit so you can feel a little better about eating dessert. This totally counts as one serving of fruit and vegetables, right?

Making the perfect strawberry jello pretzel salad is easier than you think. I’m going to share all of my tips and tricks you need to create a visually appealing and delicious dessert that will impress!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

3 How to Make

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 More Strawberry Dessert You May Enjoy

6 Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The combination of sweet and salty flavors creates a dynamic taste experience that is both unexpected and delicious.
  • The crunchy pretzel crust provides a nice contrast to the smooth and creamy filling, making for an enjoyable texture as well.
  • The vibrant red color of the jello and strawberries is visually stunning and sure to catch the attention of your guests.
  • This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it the perfect dessert to serve at any gathering.
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Ingredients

Here is what you’ll need to make this Strawberry Pretzel Salad.

  • pretzels
  • brown sugar
  • butter
  • strawberry gelatin dessert
  • fresh strawberries
  • cream cheese
  • sugar
  • vanilla
  • cool whip
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How to Make

I will walk you through the process of making this strawberry pretzel salad. For your convenience,I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Then crush the pretzels!
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  1. You can use any kind of pretzels, but make sure they have some salt on them. The salty-sweet combination is part of what makes this dessert so amazing. I put the pretzels in a plastic baggie and crushed them with a rolling pin.
  2. Combine the crushed pretzels, brown sugar, and melted butter and press into a lightly greased 9 x 13″ pan.
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  1. Bake for 10 minutes.
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  1. Remove from the oven. Once the pretzel crust is slightly cool, refrigerate it 30-60 minutes so that it gets really cold.
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Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad - classic dessert recipe (8)
  1. In the meantime, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Use a mixer for this. You don’t want lumps of cream cheese. Blend in Cool Whip with a spatula.
  2. Spread over cooled crust.
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  1. Next, make the Jell-O (you want the larger box of Jell-O) according to the package directions minus 1/4 cup of water. This is a personal preference, but I find using less water allows the Jell-O to firm up better.
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  1. Put your bowl of Jell-O in the fridge to allow it to partially cool before putting it on top of your cream cheese layer.
  2. While the Jell-O partially cools, slice the strawberries. Then, place them on top of the chilled layer of cream cheese and Cool Whip. I like to place the strawberries in alternating rows across the top. Feel free to scatter them randomly or in any fun pattern you choose.
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Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad - classic dessert recipe (12)
  1. Once your Jell-O is chilled and about the consistency of jam or pudding (about an hour or two in the fridge), you’re ready!
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  1. Spoon or pour the Jell-O over the cream cheese layer.
  2. Return the pan to the fridge. Cool until the Jell-O is completely set (about an hour).

That’s it! As you can see, other than cooling time, this dessert is really effortless to put together. You could even try it with different berries or fruits! YourStrawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad is ready!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you avoid runny strawberry pretzel salad?

Make sure you spread the cool whip layer completely to the edges. You want to create a seal so your Jell-O doesn’t leak through. This is key to keeping your layers separate.

Can I used a different flavor of jello?

Yes, you can use any flavor of Jello you like. Just be aware that the flavor of the Jello will be the dominant flavor in the salad, so choose your flavor wisely. I also recommend matching your fresh fruit to the flavor of the jello.

Can I make This In advance?

The answer is yes, you can make it up to a day ahead of time. Just make sure to store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

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I hope the pictures and tips for creating this Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad dessert were helpful!

More Strawberry Dessert You May Enjoy

  • Strawberry Crunch Cake
  • Strawberry Nutella Mountain Pie
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
  • Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake
  • Strawberry Coconut Cake

Have you tried this Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad? If so, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad - classic dessert recipe (17)

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is an old-fashioned dessert recipe that still popular for a reason: it’s delicious!

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: jello, pretzels, strawberry

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Chilling Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 12 people

Calories: 341kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cup pretzels crushed finely
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 package (6 ounces) strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert
  • 1 container (16 ounces) fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 container (8 ounces) cream cheese
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, brown sugar, and melted butter and press into a lightly greased 9 x 13″ pan.

  • Bake for 10 minutes.

  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once the pretzel crust is slightly cool, refrigerate it 30-60 minutes so that it gets really cold.

  • In the meantime, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Then using a spatula, fold in the Cool Whip.

  • Spread over cooled crust. (Make sure you spread this layer completely to the edges. You want to create a seal so your Jell-O doesn’t leak through.) Return your pan to the fridge to chill.

  • Next, prepare the Jell-O according to the package directions minus 1/4 cup of water. This is a personal preference, but I find using less water allows the Jell-O to firm up better. Put your bowl of Jell-O in the fridge to allow it to chill. However, do not let it become completely firm

  • While the Jell-O cools, slice the strawberries. Then, place them on top of your chilled layer of cream cheese and cool whip.

  • Once the Jell-O is chilled to about the consistency of jam or pudding (about an hour or two in the fridge), it’s ready. Spoon or pour the Jell-O over the cream cheese layer.

  • Return the pan to the fridge. Cool until your Jell-O is completely set (about an hour).

  • Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

Please note: For best results, you must chill the layers between steps. This is an easy dessert to make but it does take time due to chilling. Allow enough time to complete the entire recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 376mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 510IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad - classic dessert recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is strawberry pretzel salad called a salad? ›

Here's the first thing you need to know about strawberry pretzel salad: it definitely is not a salad. At least, not in the way most people think of these days: a pile of leafy greens. This one is a “salad” in the wiggly, congealed 1980s Jell-O delicacies kind of way.

Why is my pretzel salad soggy? ›

If you add the cream cheese filling before the crust is cool, it will make the pretzels soggy. -make sure that you spread the cream cheese filling edge to edge of the pan. You don't want any little crevices that jello could seep down to the pretzel crust.

What is strawberry fluff made of? ›

What is strawberry fluff? Strawberry fluff is a simple dessert made by combining strawberry jello, whipped topping, crushed pineapple, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh strawberries. It is mixed and then served chilled.

What's the best way to crush pretzels? ›

Crush pretzels in a blender.

What is another name for Jennifer Aniston salad? ›

The salad Jen ate on the set of Friends was a Cobb Salad, while this salad is a riff on a tabbouleh. She shared it years ago on Instagram with the caption “My perfect salad”, and was nice enough to also list the ingredients that were inside her bowl.

What is the Bella Hadid salad? ›

Bella's salad is made with a base of arugula topped with cucumber, bell pepper, avocado and parmesan cheese. The best part (she says not to skip it!) is the balsamic glaze on top.

How do you make pretzels crispy again? ›

Preheat the oven to around 350°F (175°C) and wrap the pretzels in aluminum foil. Place them in the oven for a few minutes until they are warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a steamer for a short period to retain moisture. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the pretzels chewy or soggy.

Does vinegar make salad soggy? ›

Dressing, more specifically the acid in dressing, makes greens wilt in a hurry. The vinegar or citrus juice you used in your dressing breaks down the cell structure of the leaves, releasing water trapped in the greens. Which is why your 18-hour-old leftover salad is all wet and deflated. Salad hates that.

How do you keep pretzels moist? ›

Individually Wrapped: Wrap each pretzel in plastic wrap to protect against dry air. Room Temperature for Short-Term: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature if enjoying within a couple of days. Refrigerate for a Little Longer: Wrapped pretzels can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Is strawberry Jello the same as strawberry gelatin? ›

Is strawberry gelatin the same as strawberry jello? Not exactly, but it is very similar. Gelatin, in its natural state, is just about colorless and tasteless.

Is marshmallow fluff a gelatin? ›

Marshmallows contain gelatin, which helps them hold their shape. Marshmallow fluff is always in “fluff” form and doesn't contain any gelatin; just egg whites and cream of tartar to help stabilize it! Use clean tools. The mixing bowl and whisk attachment both need to be spotless before whipping the eggs.

What is the secret ingredient which makes a pretzel taste like a pretzel? ›

On the one hand, lye gives pretzels their distinctive flavor, kind of a sharp flatness, if that makes sense. It's what keeps a pretzel from tasting like pretzel-shaped bread.

Why do you soak pretzels in baking soda? ›

Furthermore, we've introduced the baking soda bath. While it sounds strange, this step is what gives pretzels that iconic flavor, chewy texture, helps deepen their golden color in the oven, and locks in the super soft interior.

What is the traditional dipping liquid for pretzels? ›

Traditional Bavarian pretzels are dipped in a lye solution before they are baked. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is essentially the same stuff that's used to make soap and clean drains. It can even dissolve glass.

Why do they call a salad a salad? ›

So you might be surprised to learn that the origin of the word "salad" has nothing to do with vegetables and its accoutrements and everything to do with salt. Originating from the word "sal," meaning salt, salads refer to any number of ingredients that can be mixed or covered with dressings that contain salt.

Why is it called salad? ›

"Salad, a term derived from the Latin sal (salt), which yielded the form salata, 'salted things' such as the raw vegetables eaen in classical times with a dressing of oil, vinegar or salt. The word turns up in Old French as salade and then in late 14th century English as salad or sallet."

Why is it called composed salad? ›

From the French “salade composée,” a composed salad is simply salad arranged on a plate rather than tossed in a bowl.

Why is a fruit salad a salad? ›

Anyway, a fruit salad is a dish where several kinds of cut-up fruit are mixed in a bowl — like you would do with any mixed salad of greens and/or various veg.

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