This sweet and salty favorite features a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy whipped center, and a vibrant strawberry gelatin topping. It’s a vintage dessert that’s always a hit at potlucks, holidays, and backyard gatherings — cool, colorful, and completely irresistible.
Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad-3 Layers
Equipment
- 1 9×13 cake pan
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
- 1 1/2 c pretzels crushed
- 3 T sugar
- 3/4 c butter softened
Middle Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 c sugar
- 8 oz cool whip
Top Layer
- 2 pkg strawberry gelatin
- 20 oz frozen strawberries thawed
- 2 c boiling water
- 1/2 c cold water
- 1 c sugar
Instructions
Bottom Layer
- Cream 3 T sugar and butter and add pretzels. Press in bottom of 9 x 13 pan.
Middle Layer
- Beat well 1 cup sugar and softened cream cheese. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over pretzel crust.
Top Layer
- Dissolve 2 packages of gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and thawed strawberries. Spread on cream cheese layer.
- Chill until set or overnight.
Nutrition
Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad-3 Layers brings back memories for me
I used to make this Pretzel Salad all the time… and then somehow, I forgot all about it. That is, until one day I got a text from my daughter’s roommate — she told me my daughter wanted this for her birthday. Apparently, it was her favorite! I had no idea she loved it that much. Now, it’s back in my regular rotation — and it always brings a smile.
Serving Suggestion:
This colorful dish works beautifully as a light, fruity dessert, but it also makes a surprising and delicious side dish — especially alongside turkey or pork. Its sweet-and-salty flavor pairs perfectly with savory mains, making it a hit at both family dinners and holiday gatherings.
