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Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert with Easy Crunchy Crust – Classic Potluck Treat

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A nostalgic dessert featuring a salty crunchy pretzel crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a vibrant strawberry gelatin topping. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or summer barbecues.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 22 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pretzels, finely crushed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Combine crushed pretzels with 1/4 cup sugar and melted butter; press into 9×13 pan. Bake 7 minutes, then cool completely.
  3. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  4. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form and fold into cream cheese mixture.
  5. Spread cream cheese layer over cooled crust and refrigerate.
  6. Boil 1 cup water; remove from heat and whisk in strawberry gelatin and 2 tbsp sugar. Let cool 10 minutes.
  7. Arrange sliced strawberries over cream cheese. Pour cooled gelatin over strawberries.
  8. Refrigerate at least 4 hours until set. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps.
  • Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for best results.
  • Pour gelatin mixture slowly over strawberries to prevent displacement.
  • Chill dessert at least 4 hours or overnight for best set.
  • Watch crust baking time carefully to avoid bitterness.
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake & Chill
  • Cuisine: American