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To make your Strawberry Pretzel Salad, you will need: - 2 cups pretzel sticks, crushed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip) - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin mix - 2 cups boiling water - 2 cups cold water If you need to swap ingredients, here are some easy options: - Use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free version. - Swap unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter choice. - Try any berry gelatin mix if you want a different flavor. A serving of Strawberry Pretzel Salad has: - Calories: 200 - Total fat: 10g - Saturated fat: 6g - Carbohydrates: 26g - Sugars: 15g - Protein: 3g This salad is a sweet treat but keep an eye on portions. You can enjoy this dessert without feeling too guilty. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided. To start, gather your ingredients for the crust. You will need crushed pretzel sticks, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix these in a medium bowl. Make sure the pretzels are finely crushed for a nice texture. Once mixed, press this mixture firmly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. This forms a sturdy base. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. After baking, let it cool completely. This step is key for the crust to hold its shape. Next, let’s make the cream cheese layer. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. You want it fluffy and creamy. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping. Mix carefully to keep it light. Once ready, spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. This layer adds a rich flavor that balances the salty pretzels. For the strawberry gelatin layer, you’ll need gelatin mix, boiling water, and cold water. In a bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Then, add 2 cups of cold water and mix well. After it cools slightly, stir in the sliced strawberries. This adds a fresh touch to the dish. Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Make sure it spreads evenly. Next, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. Your Strawberry Pretzel Salad will be ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make the perfect pretzel crust, start with fresh pretzel sticks. Crush them into small pieces, but not too fine. Mix the crushed pretzels with melted butter and granulated sugar. This mix should feel like wet sand. Press it into your baking dish firmly. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely before adding any layers. A well-baked crust gives your salad a nice crunch. For the best gelatin layer, dissolve the gelatin in boiling water first. Stir until it fully dissolves. This step is key for a smooth texture. After mixing in cold water, let it cool slightly before adding strawberries. If the gelatin cools too much, it can set before you pour it. Pour it gently over the cream cheese layer for an even finish. This helps avoid any mixing of layers. When serving Strawberry Pretzel Salad, cut it into squares for easy portions. Garnish each square with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of mint. This adds color and makes it look fancy. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert. This salad works well at picnics or family gatherings. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in this salad to fit your taste. Fresh blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work great. Each fruit adds its flavor and color. Mixing fruits can create a fun twist. You can use one fruit or a mix of your favorites. Just make sure to slice or chop them small. If you need a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pretzel sticks. These pretzels taste similar and work well in this recipe. You can also use crushed gluten-free cookies as a crust. They give a nice taste and crunch. Always check the label to ensure they are gluten-free. You can customize the sweetness of your salad. Instead of regular sugar, try honey or maple syrup. You can also add vanilla or almond extract to the cream cheese layer for extra flavor. This makes the salad even more delicious. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite mix. For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Bliss Pretzel Salad. Store your Strawberry Pretzel Salad in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. It is best to cover the dish well if you keep it in the same pan. Plastic wrap works great. You can freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad, but it’s tricky. First, freeze the cream cheese layer and the crust separately. This helps keep the crust crunchy. Once frozen, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. In the fridge, Strawberry Pretzel Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days. Check for any changes in color or smell before eating. If you notice any, it’s best to discard it. Always serve it cold for the best taste. For more details, see the Full Recipe. Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a sweet and salty dessert. It has a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheese layer, and fruity strawberry topping. This dish is a fun mix of flavors and textures. You can serve it chilled for a refreshing treat. It's perfect for gatherings and brings joy to any table. Yes, you can! Making Strawberry Pretzel Salad a day ahead works well. Just prepare it and let it chill in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. It also helps the gelatin set perfectly. Remember to cover it well to keep it fresh. To keep the pretzel crust crunchy, bake it for 10 minutes. This helps firm it up. Let it cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer. Keeping the cream cheese layer thick also helps. If you follow these steps, the crust will stay crisp and delicious. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them before mixing. Drain any extra liquid to avoid a watery layer. Frozen strawberries can be a great option if fresh ones are not available. They still add great flavor and color to your dish. Enjoy the full recipe and feel free to experiment! In this article, I covered everything about making Strawberry Pretzel Salad. You learned about the key ingredients, tasty substitutions, and their nutritional facts. I shared step-by-step instructions for the crust, cream cheese layer, and gelatin. You now have tips for perfecting the crust and achieving the right consistency. I also explored variations and storage tips. Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a fun and tasty treat. With these easy steps, you can impress anyone! Enjoy making this dish and remember to share your own variations.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Indulge in the sweet and salty delight of Strawberry Bliss Pretzel Salad! This easy dessert features a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese, and luscious strawberries in gelatin. Perfect for any gathering, this salad is a showstopper everyone will love. Ready to impress your guests?
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Ingredients
  

2 cups pretzel sticks, crushed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin mix

2 cups boiling water

2 cups cold water

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzel sticks, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined.

      Bake Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely.

        Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.

          Layer Cream Cheese Mix: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.

            Prepare Strawberry Gelatin: In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add in 2 cups of cold water and mix well.

              Add Strawberries: Stir the sliced strawberries into the gelatin mixture once it’s cooled slightly.

                Combine Layers: Pour the strawberry gelatin and strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Ensure an even distribution.

                  Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is fully set.

                    Serve: Once set, cut into squares and serve cold.

                      Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 4 hr 30 min | Servings: 12

                        - Presentation Tips: Garnish each square with a fresh strawberry on top and a sprig of mint for a vibrant touch.