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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe Perfect for Summer Desserts

no bake strawberry pretzel salad - featured image

A refreshing no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and a bright strawberry gelatin topping, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for creamy layer)
  • 8 ounces whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Pour in melted butter and stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  4. Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel crust.
  6. Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Let cool slightly but not set.
  7. Stir sliced strawberries into the cooled gelatin mixture.
  8. Pour the strawberry and gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading gently.
  9. Refrigerate the dish for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.

Notes

Softening cream cheese at room temperature is key for smooth mixing. Chill the dessert overnight for best results. Use a knife warmed under hot water and dried before slicing for clean cuts. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute cream cheese and pretzels accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry pretzel salad, summer dessert, easy dessert, pretzel crust, cream cheese dessert, gelatin dessert