Strawberry Pretzel Gelatin Salad

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Crust

• 2 1/2 cups finely crushed salted pretzels
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed

For the Strawberry Layer

• 2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup cold water

Substitutions

• Use raspberry gelatin with raspberries, or mixed-berry gelatin with suitable fresh berries.
• Use stabilized whipped cream instead of whipped topping, understanding that the dessert will have a shorter storage life.

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the crust

Heat the oven to 350°F. Mix pretzels, melted butter, and sugar, then press firmly into a 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cool completely.

Step 2: Make the cream layer

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping.

Step 5: Add berries and chill

Arrange strawberries over the cream layer, then slowly pour the cooled gelatin over them. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully set.

Step 6: Cut and serve

Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts. Keep chilled until serving.

How to Store Leftovers

• Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Keep the pan level so the gelatin layer remains even.
• Store cut squares in a single layer when possible.

Serving Leftovers

• Do not reheat. Serve cold.
• Keep refrigerated until serving because the cream layer softens when warm.
• Freezing is not recommended because gelatin and fresh berries change texture after thawing.

What to Serve With It

• A summer cookout
• Holiday dessert table
• Coffee or iced tea

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pouring gelatin over a warm crust or warm cream layer.
• Failing to spread cream cheese to the edges.
• Using warm gelatin and melting the white layer.
• Cutting before the red layer is fully firm.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, ripeness, and substitutions.