Print

Easy No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe Perfect for Summer Desserts

easy no-bake strawberry pretzel salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, no-bake layered dessert combining a salty pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and a fresh strawberry gelatin topping. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pretzels, crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 package (3 oz / 85 g) strawberry gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • Optional: 1/4 cup granulated sugar (if strawberries are tart)

Instructions

  1. Pre-chill a 9×13-inch baking dish in the fridge while preparing the crust.
  2. Crush 2 cups of pretzels finely but not into dust. In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix well until evenly coated.
  3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the chilled baking dish to form an even layer. Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
  5. In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and return to the fridge to chill.
  7. Dissolve one 3-ounce package of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved and let cool to room temperature but not set.
  8. Hull and slice 2 cups fresh strawberries. Stir them into the cooled gelatin. Add 1/4 cup sugar if berries are tart.
  9. Pour the gelatin and strawberry mixture carefully over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly. Return the dish to the fridge.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to let the gelatin fully set.
  11. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Notes

Pre-chill the baking dish to help the dessert set faster. Let the gelatin cool to room temperature before pouring to avoid melting the cream cheese layer. Press the pretzel crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Use a hot knife dipped in hot water for clean slicing. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry pretzel salad, summer dessert, easy dessert, layered dessert, pretzel crust, cream cheese dessert

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-desserts/