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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert Recipe That Impresses Every Time

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A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and fresh strawberry gelatin topping. Perfect for potlucks and gatherings with a sweet and salty flavor balance.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 5 ounces / 140 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 package (3 oz / 85 grams) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust (10 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels and sugar. Pour in melted butter and stir until pretzels are evenly coated. Press mixture firmly into bottom of 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.
  2. Mix the Cream Cheese Layer (10 minutes): In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth using an electric mixer. Gently fold in thawed whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate while preparing strawberry layer.
  3. Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin (15 minutes): In a small bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, whisking until dissolved. Add cold water and stir. Let cool to room temperature but not set. Toss sliced strawberries into gelatin to keep suspended evenly.
  4. Assemble the Strawberry Topping (5 minutes): Once gelatin is cool but liquid, pour over cream cheese layer. Spread strawberries evenly if needed. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve chilled. The crust should be crunchy, cream cheese layer soft and fluffy, and strawberry topping fresh and flavorful.

Notes

Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. Press pretzel crust firmly with a flat glass or measuring cup. Dissolve gelatin completely in boiling water and cool before pouring to avoid melting cream cheese layer. Chill dessert at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Use a warm knife for clean slicing. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry pretzel salad, easy dessert, potluck dessert, creamy dessert, sweet and salty dessert

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-pretzel-salad-dessert-recipe-that-impresses-every-time/