This fun and colorful dessert features a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and sweet strawberry jello. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures!
I love bringing this dish to gatherings. People are always amazed at how delicious pretzels and jello can be together—it’s like a party on a plate! 🎉
Whenever I whip this up, I make sure to serve it chilled. It’s the perfect refreshing treat on warm days. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just mix and chill, and you’re good to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Pretzels: The pretzels give a salty crunch that balances the sweetness. If you can’t find mini pretzels, crushed regular pretzels work just fine—just adjust the amount for the same texture.
Cream Cheese: I love using full-fat cream cheese for richness. Light cream cheese is an option, but it might not be as creamy. You can also try a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Strawberry Gelatin: Strawberry Jello is key for making this dessert flavorful. If you prefer a natural option, you can substitute with pureed strawberries and agar-agar for a vegetarian alternative, but the texture will vary.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This provides the airy texture to the cream layer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping or a non-dairy alternative, but whisk it well to avoid lumps.
How Do You Get the Perfect Layering in Jello Desserts?
Layering in Jello desserts can seem tricky, but it’s all about timing and patience. Start by ensuring your pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer.
- After spreading the cream cheese mixture, chill it for at least 30 minutes to help it set before adding strawberries and Jello.
- Pour the gelatin slowly over the strawberries to avoid disturbing the cream layer beneath. Make sure the Jello is chilled but still liquid for best results.
- Let the entire dish refrigerate for 3-4 hours to allow everything to set properly. Checking for complete firmness before serving ensures clean slices!
Easy Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups mini pretzels, crushed
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
For the Jello Layer:
- 2 envelopes (6 oz total) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jello)
- 2 cups cold water (divided)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (for decoration)
- Additional whipped cream for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 4-5 hours, which includes 10 minutes for prep, about 1 hour for chilling, and then 3-4 hours for the final set. You’ll do a little mixing and assembling, and then it’s all about letting it chill in the fridge. A deliciously easy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan to form a crust. Bake for about 10 minutes until you can smell that yummy pretzel scent. Take it out of the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the crust cools, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy layer is going to be delicious!
3. Prepare Strawberry Jello:
In a small bowl, dissolve the 2 envelopes of strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it well until it’s fully dissolved. Next, add in 1 cup of cold water and give it a good mix.
4. Add Gelatin to Cream Cheese Mixture:
Now, gently stir about 1 cup of the gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture until everything is combined. Don’t forget about the remaining gelatin; refrigerate it for the jello layer!
5. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with the vanilla extract until you see stiff peaks. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s well combined.
6. Add Cream Layer Onto Crust:
Spread that delicious cream mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let it set a bit.
7. Prepare the Jello Layer:
Once the cream layer is set, sprinkle the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. It’s getting colorful!
8. Add Remaining Gelatin:
Carefully pour the remaining (now chilled but still liquid) strawberry gelatin over the strawberries, making sure it covers them nicely.
9. Chill and Set:
Now it’s time to chill the entire dish in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. This ensures those beautiful layers hold together when it’s served.
10. Decorate Like American Flag:
Once your jello salad is completely set, use blueberries to create the stars in the top-left corner and arrange the sliced strawberries in rows to make the red stripes. If you want, pipe some whipped cream between the strawberry rows to mimic the white stripes.
11. Serve:
Slice into squares and serve chilled. This refreshing salad is sweet and salty, making it the perfect dessert for gatherings! Enjoy every bite of your patriotic treat!
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This delightful dessert combines a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheese filling, and sweet strawberry jello, all arranged beautifully like the American flag. It’s perfect for summer celebrations and gatherings! 🌟
FAQ for Easy Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Can I Use Regular Pretzels Instead of Mini Pretzels?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pretzels for mini pretzels. Just crush them finely and ensure you adjust the amount if needed for a similar texture. The salty flavor will still shine through!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dessert is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare it up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it covered so it stays fresh!
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but be sure to consume them within a couple of days for the best texture and taste!
Can I Use Different Flavored Gelatin?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavored gelatins! Raspberry, cherry, or even orange could work well and give a unique twist to your pretzel salad. Just keep the basic proportions the same!
