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- 2 cups pretzel twists - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix - 2 cups boiling water The ingredients for Strawberry Pretzel Salad create the perfect mix of sweet and salty. First, we have pretzel twists. They give the base a nice crunch. You need two cups to make a solid crust. Next, add melted butter and sugar. The butter helps bind the pretzels. The sugar gives a sweet touch. For the creamy layer, we use cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping. The cream cheese provides a rich flavor. Make sure it is softened for easy mixing. The powdered sugar adds sweetness, while the whipped topping lightens the texture. Now onto the strawberry layer. Fresh strawberries add a bright taste. You will need two cups, sliced and hulled. The strawberry gelatin mix thickens the layer. Mix it with boiling water for the best results. This layer is colorful and delicious. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create this no-bake delight! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large bowl, crush 2 cups of pretzel twists until they look like crumbs. - Mix the crumbs with ½ cup melted unsalted butter and ¼ cup granulated sugar. - Press the pretzel mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. - Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely. - In another bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth. - Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar while mixing. - Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until well combined. - Spread this cream mixture over the cooled crust evenly. - In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 cup of strawberry gelatin mix in 2 cups of boiling water. - Stir until fully dissolved and let it cool for about 15 minutes. - Mix in 2 cups of hulled and sliced fresh strawberries. - Pour this sweet strawberry mix over the cream layer in the dish. - Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, until the gelatin sets. - Once set, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful treat! - Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and whipped topping. - Pair with a refreshing beverage like lemonade. These simple additions make your dessert look and taste even better. The bright colors pop and make the dish more inviting. - Ensure cream cheese is well softened for smooth consistency. - Allow gelatin to cool before adding strawberries to prevent melting. Soft cream cheese mixes better and gives a creamy texture. Cooling the gelatin helps keep the fruit fresh and prevents it from turning mushy. - Prepare a day in advance for optimal chilling time. - Store in the refrigerator until serving. Making it a day early lets the flavors blend well. This also ensures the dessert sets perfectly, making it easy to cut into squares. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in this recipe. Instead of strawberries, try using blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries. Each fruit brings its own taste and charm. You can also explore different gelatin flavors for unique twists. For example, peach or cherry gelatin can give a whole new flavor vibe. If you need a gluten-free version, it's easy to swap the pretzel twists. Use gluten-free pretzels instead. They work just as well in the crust. This way, everyone can enjoy this treat without worry. For a vegan take on this dish, replace the cream cheese and whipped topping with vegan alternatives. Many brands offer great cream cheese made from nuts or soy. For the gelatin, use agar-agar instead. It is a plant-based gelatin that sets just like regular gelatin. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightful no-bake dessert! To keep your Strawberry Pretzel Salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain its taste and texture. For the best flavor, eat it within three days. After that, the pretzel crust may become soggy. Freezing this treat is not a good idea. It can change the texture, making it less enjoyable. You can assemble the salad but serving it fresh is best. Enjoy the layers of flavor and crunch right after chilling! Strawberry Pretzel Salad needs at least 2 hours to chill. This time allows the gelatin to set fully. If you skip this step, the dessert might not hold its shape. Yes, you can use fresh strawberries! They add a bright flavor to the dish. Just make sure to add them after the gelatin cools. If you add them too soon, they may lose their shape. You can try using alternatives like agar-agar. However, the results may not be the same. Agar-agar sets differently than gelatin, so be ready for some texture changes. To avoid a soggy crust, let it cool completely after baking. Also, make sure the gelatin is not too warm when you pour it over the cream layer. This step helps keep everything crispy and delicious. This Strawberry Pretzel Salad combines a crunchy crust with a creamy layer and fresh strawberries. You learned how to prepare the crust, cream layer, and topping, ensuring a satisfying dessert. Remember to chill it well for the best taste. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or diet options. Enjoy making this easy, fun treat that will impress everyone at your next gathering. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a favorite dessert choice.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Strawberry Pretzel Delight, a perfect dessert that combines crunchy pretzels, creamy layers, and sweet strawberries. This easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep and is a hit for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this delicious treat that everyone will love! Click through to discover how to make this delightful dessert and impress your guests today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups pretzel twists

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup strawberry gelatin mix

2 cups boiling water

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, crush the pretzel twists until they resemble coarse crumbs. Mix in the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.

      Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, forming an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.

        Make the cream layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well.

          Fold in the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, then spread it evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.

            Prepare the strawberry topping: In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes.

              Mix in the strawberries with the cooled gelatin, then pour this mixture over the cream layer in the baking dish.

                Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until the gelatin is set.

                  Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy this delightful dessert!

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 2 hrs 30 min | Servings: 12

                      - Presentation Tips: Garnish each square with a fresh strawberry slice and a dollop of whipped topping just before serving for an extra touch.