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Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe

4.5 from 111 reviews

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is a delightful no-bake treat featuring a crunchy salty pretzel crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and a fresh strawberry gelatin topping. This sweet and tangy combination makes for a perfect party dessert or a refreshing summer indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 2 packets unflavored gelatin

Topping

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 (6 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until evenly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for about 10 minutes until set and golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  2. Make the cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. In a small bowl, dissolve the unflavored gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water and let it bloom for a few minutes. Heat the gelatin mixture gently until fully dissolved, then stir into the cream cheese mixture. Fold in the thawed whipped topping gently until well combined. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust and refrigerate.
  3. Prepare the strawberry topping: Dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Allow it to cool to room temperature but not set. Place sliced strawberries evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer. Pour the cooled gelatin mixture gently over the strawberries. Return the dessert to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is firm.
  4. Serve: Once fully set, slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing, crunchy, creamy dessert experience.

Notes

  • Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese filling to prevent melting.
  • Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and texture in the topping.
  • For a quicker set time, refrigerate overnight.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the crust mixture if you want a more pronounced salty contrast.
  • Make sure the gelatin topping is cool enough before pouring to avoid melting the filling.

Keywords: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert, no-bake dessert, layered dessert, pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, strawberry gelatin topping