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Pioneer Woman Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Pioneer Woman Strawberry Pretzel Salad - recipe card
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A classic Midwestern dessert salad featuring a buttery pretzel crust, a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer, and a bright strawberry gelatin topping. The contrast of salty, crunchy pretzels with sweet, jiggly strawberries and silky filling creates a irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) salted pretzels, coarsely crushed (about 6 oz)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (from the 3/4 cup above)
  • 2 cups (240ml) boiling water
  • 1 package (6 oz / 170g) strawberry-flavored gelatin (e.g., Jell-O)
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 250g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup (50g) sugar (for macerating strawberries, optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for the crust)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling, optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, 1/4 cup (50g) of the sugar, and the kosher salt. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir with a fork until all pretzel pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Transfer the pretzel mixture to a 9×9-inch (or equivalent) baking dish. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining 1/2 cup (100g) sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes). Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, using a rubber spatula. Fold just until no streaks remain; be careful not to deflate the cream.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, all the way to the edges to create a seal. Refrigerate while preparing the gelatin.
  6. In a large heatproof bowl, pour the boiling water over the strawberry gelatin. Stir for 2 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add the cold water and stir to combine. Allow the gelatin to cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes. Do not let it start to set.
  7. Meanwhile, hull and slice the strawberries. If desired, toss them with the extra 1/4 cup (50g) sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices. (If using sugared strawberries, reduce the cold water by 2 tablespoons to compensate for added liquid.)
  8. When the gelatin is cool but still liquid, gently stir in the sliced strawberries.
  9. Carefully pour the strawberry-gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer. Do not overmix; the gelatin should sit on top of the cream cheese layer, not blend into it.
  10. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set (firm to the touch). For best results, let it set overnight.
  11. To serve, cut into squares with a sharp knife. Use a spatula to lift out each piece. For clean slices, dip the knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered with plastic wrap or foil. This dessert does not freeze well because the gelatin and cream cheese layers will separate upon thawing. If you need to prep ahead, you can make the entire dessert a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. To serve, bring it out of the fridge 10 minutes before slicing for easier cutting. Also, ensure the pretzel crust is completely cool before adding the cream layer to prevent it from melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, pretzel dessert, strawberry jello salad, cream cheese dessert, classic American dessert, no bacon, vegetarian dessert, potluck dessert, summer dessert, layered dessert, salty sweet dessert, pioneer woman recipe

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-strawberry-pretzel-salad/