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Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Youssef Hb

Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A no-bake, three-layer dessert combining a buttery pretzel crust with a smooth cream cheese and Cool Whip filling, topped with vibrant strawberry Jell-O. This American classic offers a sweet-salty-sour balance and requires minimal effort for maximum comfort. Customize with seasonal fruits!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: DESSERTS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Strawberry Jell-O - 6 oz
  • Boiling water - 2 cups
  • Unsalted butter - 12 Tbsp
  • Granulated sugar - 1/4 cup
  • Granulated sugar - 1/2 cup
  • Crushed salted pretzels - 2 cups
  • Cream cheese - 8 oz
  • Cool whip - 8 oz
  • Fresh strawberries - 1 lb

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Crush pretzels using a rolling pin
  3. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl
  4. Mix melted butter with pretzels and press into an 8x8-inch dish
  5. Bake pretzel base for 20 minutes
  6. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup Cool whip
  7. Press into pretzel dish and refrigerate for 1 hour
  8. Prepare Jell-O by dissolving in boiling water
  9. Stir in sliced strawberries and pour over cream cheese layer
  10. Refrigerate uncovered for 3 hours until set

Notes

Use margarine for dairy-free option
Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to pretzel base for extra flavor
Jell-O can be substituted with fruit preserves if preferred
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container