This fun Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad is both sweet and salty! With a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fruity strawberry topping, it’s a treat everyone loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: The crushed pretzels form the base. You can use gluten-free pretzels if needed. For a twist, consider using graham crackers for a different crust texture.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens both the crust and the cream cheese layer. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia can work well, though they may alter the taste slightly.
Cream Cheese: It’s key for that creamy layer. Vegan cream cheese can be a great substitute for a dairy-free version. It’s just as tasty!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives richness. If you’re looking to lower calories, you can use half and half, but the whipped texture may be less fluffy compared to whipped cream.
Strawberry Gelatin: Make sure to use the regular kind, not sugar-free, for the best set. If you prefer a natural option, you can make gelatin using pureed fresh strawberries with a little sugar and Knox gelatin.
How Do You Make the Perfect Cream Cheese Layer?
Creating the ideal cream cheese layer is crucial for flavor and texture. Start with softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Make sure to beat it thoroughly so it’s creamy before adding sugar.
- Mix cream cheese well first, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Whip the heavy cream separately until stiff peaks form—this adds that fluffy texture!
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
This method results in a smooth, light, and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the crunchy pretzel crust!
Best Easy Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin (Jello)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (for decoration)
- Extra whipped cream (for decorating stripes)
Time Needed:
This delightful dessert takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator for the gelatin to set. So, make sure to plan a bit ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and the melted butter. Mix until everything is well combined. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan to create an even and compact crust. This will give you that delicious crunchy base.
2. Bake the Crust:
Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until it’s set and fragrant. Once done, allow it to cool completely before adding other layers.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar while beating until it’s velvety. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s all well-blended and fluffy.
4. Assemble First Layers:
Spread the cream cheese and whipped cream layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Once this is done, place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the gelatin layer.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin:
Dissolve both packages of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes until it is completely dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool down to room temperature without letting it set.
6. Add Fruit and Gelatin:
Now, it’s time to add the fruit! Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. Gently pour the cooled gelatin over the strawberries, ensuring they are completely covered.
7. Refrigerate:
Cover the assembled salad and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set and firm to the touch.
8. Decorate:
Before serving, get creative with decoration! Use fresh blueberries to create the blue section of a flag pattern, and pipe whipped cream stripes over the strawberries to resemble the American flag, if you like. Let your imagination guide you!
9. Serve Chilled:
Once ready, slice your Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad and serve it cold. It’s a refreshing treat that everyone will love!
Enjoy this classic, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad!
FAQ for Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gelatin?
Absolutely! While strawberry gelatin is traditional, you can experiment with other fruit flavors like raspberry, cherry, or even peach. Just make sure to adjust the fruit toppings accordingly for a delightful twist!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Whipping Cream?
No worries! If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can substitute it with whipped topping (like Cool Whip) for convenience. Alternatively, coconut cream (chilled and whipped) is a great dairy-free option!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it up to a day in advance, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add any decorative toppings right before serving to keep them fresh!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers, cover them with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust may soften a bit over time, but the flavor will still be delicious!
