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–+ servings
Old Fashioned Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad

Old Fashioned Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a classic retro dessert with sweet strawberries, fluffy Cool Whip filling, and a buttery pretzel crust. This old fashioned recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and fruity - just like Grandma used to make. A must for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a fun layered treat!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • ¾ cup crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 6 ounce package strawberry gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Crush pretzels and combine with butter and 3 tablespoons sugar. Press into a 9x13 inch pan.
  3. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely.
  4. Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
  5. Spread over cooled crust, sealing edges. Chill 3 minutes.
  6. Stir Jello with boiling water for 3 minutes. Chill until no longer hot.
  7. Slice strawberries, stir into gelatin, and pour over cream layer.
  8. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours or until set.

Notes

  • Make sure your crust is fully cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent it from melting.
  • Spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges to create a seal so the Jello doesn’t seep through.
  • Use fresh strawberries for the best texture and flavor.
  • You can prep this dessert a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Pretzel twists work better than sticks for crushing into a crust that holds together.

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