Strawberry Pretzel Salad 🍓🥨

This delightful dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and salty, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The crispy pretzel crust pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheesecake layer and fruity strawberry topping. It’s refreshing, indulgent, and oh so easy to make! Serve it chilled, and watch it disappear!

Ingredients

For the crust

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar

For the filling

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed

For the topping

• 2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry-flavored gelatin
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen strawberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until incorporated.

3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

🔥 Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the crust is set. Allow it to cool completely.

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully blended.

5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.

6. In a separate bowl, dissolve the gelatin in boiling water. Stir in the still-frozen strawberries and allow the mixture to set briefly. When it reaches a consistency similar to egg whites, pour and spread it over the cream cheese layer.

7. Refrigerate until set, typically about 2-4 hours.

❄️ For best results, let the salad chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

Variations

• Berry Medley: Swap out the strawberries for a mix of your favorite frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist! 🌈
• Nutty Addition: Add crushed nuts to the pretzel crust for an extra crunch! Pecans or almonds work beautifully.
• Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Seasonal Flavors: Try using different flavored gelatin, such as raspberry or peach, depending on the season!

Enjoy your Strawberry Pretzel Salad, and don't forget to share it with friends and family! 🥳🍽️