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A pan of strawberry pretzel dessert cut into squares, showing its layered texture with strawberries for garnish.

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Olivia Carter
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is a nostalgic Midwest classic that balances sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy in every bite. Built in three layers, it starts with a buttery pretzel crust, followed by a smooth cream cheese and whipped topping layer, and finishes with fresh strawberries set in strawberry Jell-O. Easy to prepare ahead, it’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer celebrations. The combination of textures and flavors makes this retro treat a timeless favorite that’s still winning hearts today.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
25 minutes
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine United States
Keyword Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Servings 12 people
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish for assembling the layers
  • 1 Mixing bowls (medium & large) for crust, cream layer, and Jell-O
  • 1 Measuring cups & spoons for accurate ingredient portions
  • 1 Hand mixer or stand mixer to beat cream cheese smoothly
  • 1 Spatula for folding whipped topping and spreading layers evenly
  • 1 Saucepan or kettle to heat water for the Jell-O
  • 1 Whisk to dissolve the gelatin completely
  • 1 Rolling pin or food processor to crush pretzels into crumbs
  • 1 Baking sheet (optional) if you toast pretzels for extra crunch
  • 1 Knife & cutting board to slice fresh strawberries
  • 1 Plastic wrap or foil to cover and chill dessert

Ingredients
  

Pretzel Crust

  • 3 cups crushed Salted Pretzels Salty crunch to balance sweetness
  • 8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter Holds the crust together for perfect texture
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar Helps caramelize and bind the crust

Cream Layer

  • 16 oz Cream Cheese Smooth, creamy base — soften it for no lumps!
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cream and balances flavors
  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract Classic flavor punch
  • 8 oz Frozen Whipped Topping Keeps things light and stops soggy crusts

Strawberry Layer

  • 6 oz Strawberry Jell-O Mix Use less water for a firm, set topping
  • 1 lb Fresh or Frozen Strawberries Fresh fruit punch and a pretty texture

Instructions
 

Layer 1: The Crunchy Pretzel Foundation (Bake Time: 10 minutes)

  • Get Set: Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Crunch Those Pretzels: Crush them up but keep some texture—nobody wants pretzel dust here, just nice chunky crumbs.
  • Mix & Toast (Pro Tip #1): Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Want extra crunch? Toast the crushed pretzels for 5 minutes before mixing.
  • Press & Bake: Press this mix into a 9x13 pan and bake for 10 minutes. Don’t get distracted, or it’ll burn, and no one wants a bitter crust!
  • Cool It: Let the crust chill completely before the next step—hot crust equals soggy dessert, and that’s a no-no.
    Crushed pretzels mixed with butter and sugar pressed into a pan, forming the base layer of strawberry pretzel dessert.

Layer 2: The Creamy, Crucial Barrier

  • Soften That Cream Cheese (Pro Tip #2): Let your cream cheese chill at room temperature for about an hour—no lumps, only smooth texture!
  • Whip It Good: Beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until it’s fluffy and dreamy.
  • Fold in the Whipped Topping: Gently mix in the thawed whipped topping until it’s all blended and silky smooth.
  • Seal the Deal (Pro Tip #3): Spread the creamy mix all the way to the edges—that’s your barrier, so strawberry juice can’t mess with your crust!
  • Chill Out: Pop it in the fridge for 30-60 minutes to set this layer up right.
    Cream cheese mixture spread over a pretzel crust to form the creamy middle layer of strawberry pretzel dessert.

Layer 3: The Vibrant Strawberry Topping

  • Jell-O Time: Mix up your strawberry Jell-O with less water than the box says—this makes it sturdier.
  • Sweeten Those Berries (Pro Tip #4): Toss fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and let them sit for 30 minutes, then drain the juices and add berries to the cooled gelatin.
  • Cool It Down: Wait till your gelatin mixture is room temperature and syrupy before pouring—hot gelatin ruins the creamy layer.
  • Pour Gently: Spread or spoon that strawberry goodness over the cream layer carefully.
  • One More Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for firm, clean slices.
    Strawberry Jell-O mixture with sliced strawberries being poured over the creamy layer of strawberry pretzel dessert.

Notes

A single serving of a traditional strawberry pretzel dessert, approximately 236 grams, can contain:
  • Calories: Approximately 550 calories.
  • Carbohydrates: About 70 grams, with a large portion coming from sugars.
  • Fat: Around 24 grams, much of which is saturated fat from the cream cheese and butter.
  • Protein: Roughly 8 grams.
  • Sodium: The pretzels and other ingredients contribute to a high sodium content, which can be a factor for those watching their intake.