Easy No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert
A refreshing no-bake dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, creamy filling, and a fresh strawberry gelatin topping, perfect for summer parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (preferably salted)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin, prepared according to package directions
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust: In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels and granulated sugar. Add melted butter and mix until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Gently fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over the pretzel crust, covering edges.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: Dissolve strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, stir until dissolved, and let cool about 10 minutes. Mix sliced strawberries into the gelatin.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the strawberry and gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread gently and smooth the top.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set layers.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Press crust firmly to prevent sogginess. Cool gelatin before mixing with strawberries to avoid melting the cream layer. Chill dessert overnight for best results. Use gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping for gluten-free and dairy-free versions. Use a warm spatula to smooth cream cheese layer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of r
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 3
Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry pretzel salad, summer dessert, easy dessert, party dessert, pretzel crust, creamy dessert