HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD
In fact, the Strawberry Pretzel Salad is not a salad at all; rather, it is a simple dessert dish that can be prepared in advance. A delicious combination of sweet and salty tastes that is quite difficult to say no to. It begins with a buttery pretzel crust that is covered with a layer of creamy cream cheese, and then it is topped with a layer of fresh strawberries that are set in Jell-O.
It may be served as a side dish, but it’s more like a dessert, and since it’s best prepared ahead of time, it’s ideal for potlucks, parties, and of course, the holidays!
The wonderful thing about this recipe is that you may substitute frozen strawberries for fresh ones if you are unable to get fresh ones (thaw and drain first). You may also use some other fresh fruit, or you could add more. In this recipe, either raspberries or peaches would be a delicious addition.
When prepared at least a full day in advance, this Strawberry Pretzel Salad tastes its very best (making it a great dessert or potluck dish). The minimal amount of time needed to set it up is four hours, but the longer the better. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days!!!!
THIS IS WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
THE PRETZEL CRUST INGREDIENTS:
Crushed pretzels; I used about 2 cups.
¾ Cup.Of butter – melted.
3 Large spoons.Of white sugar.
THE CREAM CHEESE FILLING INGREDIENTS:
An 8-oz block.Of cream cheese – softened to room temp.
¾ Cup.Of white sugar.
Defrosted Cool Whip; I used 8-ounces.
THE STRAWBERRY TOPPING INGREDIENTS:
Strawberry Jell-O; you’ll need a 6-oz pkg.
2 Cups.Of boiling water.
4 Cups.Of fresh or frozen sliced strawberries.
STEPS:
1st Step
To get started, you have to turn the oven temperature up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2nd Step
In a bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar, then press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Bake for ten minutes, then let it totally cool.
3rd Step
Mix cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer on medium speed in a bowl of medium size until the mixture becomes frothy. Mix in the Cool Whip with a light hand. After the mixture has been uniformly spread over the crust, place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
4th Step
Mix Jell-O and water that has been brought to a boil in a large mixing bowl until the Jell-O is dissolved. Give the mixture time to cool down fully at room temperature before using it.
5th Step
Strawberry slices should be arranged on top of the cream cheese mixture. Jell-O must be poured on top after it has cooled.
6th Step
Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, until the mixture has solidified completely.