Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (220g) crushed pretzel twists (plain, not flavored)
  • ¾ cup (150g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons (36g) granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat preferred)
  • 1 cup (115g) powdered sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 6 ounces (170g) strawberry flavored gelatin dessert mix (like Jell-O)
  • 2 cups (470ml) boiling water
  • 16 ounces (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust: Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.
  2. Bake the Crust: Bake until lightly golden brown and set. Let cool completely.
  3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually beat in cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  4. Assemble the Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  5. Prepare the Strawberry Layer: Dissolve gelatin mix in boiling water. Let cool slightly (until syrupy but not set).
  6. Add Strawberries: Gently stir in sliced strawberries.
  7. Pour and Chill: Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set. Enjoy this perfect pretzel salad recipe!