This colorful Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad is a unique treat! It combines a salty pretzel crust with sweet strawberry jello and creamy layers, creating a fun mix of flavors and textures.
Making it is a breeze! You can whip it together while catching up on your favorite show. Plus, it’s always a hit at potlucks—who doesn’t love a little sweet and salty combination? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzel Twists: Use pretzel twists for the crust, but pretzel sticks or even crushed graham crackers work great as a substitute. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pretzels!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, swap with Greek yogurt or use a non-dairy cream cheese to make it vegan. Just make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream gives the fluffiness we want. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter touch, but take note it won’t have the same thickness. Non-dairy whipping cream is an excellent vegan option, too!
Strawberry Jello: If you want a different flavor, cherry or raspberry Jello can also work well. Just know the taste will vary slightly. If you’re avoiding gelatin altogether, try agar-agar as a plant-based option!
How Do You Get Perfectly Layered Jello?
Creating those beautiful layers of cream cheese and Jello is super easy, but requires a few simple steps for a neat presentation. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure your pretzel crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer. This keeps the layers from mixing.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, taking care to go all the way to the edges. A spatula works wonders here!
- When mixing the Jello, allow it to cool for a few minutes before adding strawberries. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Pour the Jello mixture slowly over the cream cheese layer. To avoid disturbing the layers, you can pour it over the back of a spoon.
- Lastly, chill it well! It should be firm before you decorate with strawberries and blueberries.
Best Easy Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups pretzel twists, finely crushed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
For the Jello Layer:
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry flavored Jello
- 2 cups boiling water (divided)
- 2 cups cold water (divided)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
For Decoration:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (for decoration)
- Whipped cream for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. Perfect for making ahead of time for a party or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, mix the finely crushed pretzels with 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a crust. Bake it for about 7 minutes until it’s set, then let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the crust cools, take a large bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until well combined, creating a fluffy mixture. Spread this evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
3. Prepare the Jello Layer:
In a bowl, dissolve one package of strawberry Jello in 1 cup of boiling water and stir until fully mixed. Then, add 1 cup of cold water into the Jello mixture and stir again. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding in half of the sliced strawberries. Carefully pour the Jello mixture over the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly.
4. Chill and Decorate:
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello is fully set. Once set, decorate the top with the remaining sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries in a fun pattern resembling the American flag: place blueberries in the upper left corner, use strawberry slices to create stripes, and pipe whipped cream over the strawberry stripes to resemble the white stripes.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the salad into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this sweet and salty treat with family and friends—it’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Can I Use Different Flavors of Jello?
Absolutely! While strawberry Jello is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like cherry, raspberry, or even peach. Just remember that the flavor will slightly change with each variation.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so just take it out and serve straight from the fridge!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight. It will save you time on the day of your gathering!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream. For a non-dairy version, try coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream alternative that behaves similarly when whipped!
