Description
A quintessential American chilled dessert combining a buttery pretzel crust, smooth cream cheese layer, and vibrant strawberry gelatin topping. Layers provide a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, ideal for summer or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups crushed pretzels (salted twists recommended)
¾ cup melted unsalted butter
1 cup white granulated sugar, plus 3 tablespoons
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup whipped topping (store-bought or homemade)
1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 cup fresh sliced strawberries
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1 cup sugar in a bowl
Press mixture evenly into the bottom of a glass 9×13-inch baking dish
Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely
In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese with 3 tablespoons sugar until smooth
Add ½ cup whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture; spread over cooled crust
Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm the layer
In another bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water; refrigerate until thickened
Fold in sliced strawberries and remaining ½ cup whipped topping
Pour strawberry gelatin mixture over cream cheese layer
Refrigerate for 3 hours until fully set
Slice before serving
Notes
Use unsalted butter to avoid duplicating the pretzel’s saltiness
Press crust firmly into dish and let cool completely to prevent sogginess
Ensure cream cheese and whipped topping reach room temperature for smooth blending
Glass dish aids gelatin setting
For a denser layer, mix ½ cup whipped topping directly into the cream cheese
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before slicing
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Easy Homemade Dessert Recipes & Treats
- Method: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg