Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar together. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until it’s smooth. Fold in the thawed whipped topping. Spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in boiling water. Stir in the frozen strawberries and let it cool slightly. Pour the Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set before serving.
How to serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Serve cold as a refreshing dessert. You can slice it into squares or scoop it out with a spoon. It looks great on a dessert table and can be garnished with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for an extra touch.
How to store Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It’s best enjoyed within a few days.
Tips to make Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Make sure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent it from melting.
You can use any flavor of Jell-O and different fruits to switch things up.
For a little extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts to the pretzel crust.
Variation
You can try different fruit fillings, like blueberries or peaches, to give your salad a new twist. You can also use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter version.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert a day ahead?
Yes, it’s actually better to make it a day in advance. This allows the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones?
Yes, fresh strawberries work great! Just slice them and add them to the Jell-O mixture.
What can I do if I don’t have whipped topping?
You can make your own whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form.