Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Delight
- Craving Sweet and Salty?
- Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment
- Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
- Step-by-Step Strawberry Pretzel Salad: Nailed It!
- Pro Tips for a Showstopping Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad With Frozen Strawberries
- Recipe Notes for the Best Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
- Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Delight
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Craving Sweet and Salty?
Ever had a craving that's both sweet and salty? honestly, sometimes i feel like i need a dessert and a bag of crisps! that's where this strawberry pretzel dessert comes in.
It's got that gorgeous blend of flavours. you know, the kind that makes you go "oh my gosh!" after the first bite.
This is basically a cheat's strawberry pretzel salad . A little bit old school. Just the right amount of naughty!
Sweet & Salty Perfection: Unveiling the Magic
This strawberry pretzel dessert is a real crowd pleaser. its buttery, salty pretzel crust is topped with a creamy dreamy cheesecake filling and then a vibrant, sweet strawberry gelatin layer.
It's been a potluck staple for donkeys' years! it's like a vintage classic with a modern twist. it's like taking a trip down memory lane to the village fete!
It comes from the good old usa, with some seriously americana vibes. i always think of paula dean when i think about paula dean pretzel salad .
This recipe is easy peasy. it takes about [3] hours total (mostly chilling time). this recipe will give you [12] servings.
Just enough for a proper get-together.
Why This Recipe Rocks
Honestly, the main benefit of this strawberry pretzel dessert is pure joy. the sweet and salty combo is addictive. it's also surprisingly light, thanks to the whipped topping.
The strawberry pretzel fluff is a real light touch! it's perfect for summer bbqs, garden parties, or just a cheeky dessert on a sunny afternoon.
It’s one of those jello salad recipes with cream cheese strawberry pretzel desserts that people always ask for. It’s special because it's simple. It's also satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Now, let's get to the good stuff, the ingredients!
Alright, let's get this show on the road! we're diving into making the iconic strawberry pretzel dessert . it's that sweet, salty, creamy concoction that's always a hit.
Honestly, everyone loves strawberry pretzel fluff .
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment
First, let's gather our supplies. It's like prepping for a bake off, but way less stressful.
Main Ingredients
Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups (220g) crushed pretzels. Pro tip: use a rolling pin, less messy than a food processor.
- ¾ cup (170g) melted unsalted butter. Gotta be melted, my friend!
- 3 tablespoons (36g) granulated sugar.
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces (226g) softened cream cheese. Quality counts here - full fat is your friend.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar.
- 12 ounces (355ml) thawed whipped topping (like Cool Whip). Don't judge; it's a classic!
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
Strawberry Gelatin Layer:
- 6 ounces (170g) strawberry gelatin powder (Jell-O brand). The star of the show!
- 2 cups (473ml) boiling water. Watch those fingers!
- 20 ounces (567g) frozen sliced strawberries. Adds that fresh zing.
Seasoning Notes
Forget fancy spices! this strawberry pretzel dessert recipe is all about the basics. the magic lies in the saltiness of the pretzels against the sweet cream cheese and strawberry.
For a little extra zing, a touch of lemon zest in the cream cheese filling is good. you could also try a dash of almond extract instead of vanilla if you're feeling adventurous.
And if you want to play around, strawberry jello and pretzel dessert is a great starting point.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. You really don't need a bunch of fancy gear to make a delicious Strawberry Pretzel Jello .
- 9x13 inch baking dish. Essential.
- Mixing bowls. Various sizes help!
- Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta be precise, yeah?
- Whisk. For smooth mixing.
- Electric mixer. Optional, but easier for the filling.
- Spatula or wooden spoon. For folding.
Honestly, if you don't have an electric mixer, a good old-fashioned fork works just fine. you know, like paula dean pretzel salad recipes, it's all about the flavour! don't let a lack of fancy equipment hold you back from trying jello salad recipes with cream cheese strawberry pretzel desserts .
My gran used a fork for everything! also, for the strawberry pretzel jello salad with frozen strawberries, use pre-sliced frozen strawberries.
Honestly, they give the best texture and flavor.
Alright, let's dive headfirst into making this classic strawberry pretzel dessert . honestly, it's a total crowd pleaser and perfect for, well, any occasion.
You know? think summer barbecues, christmas parties, or just a random tuesday when you need a bit of sunshine in your life.
I remember once i brought a strawberry pretzel fluff version of this to a picnic and it was gone in, like, five minutes.
Serious business!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get organised. it's what mary berry would do, right? essential mise en place means having everything measured and ready.
Crush those pretzels. you will need 2 cups of crushed pretzels like the sticks not the little ones because it provides the best taste.
Melt ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) of unsalted butter . soften 8 ounces of cream cheese . measure out 1 cup of granulated sugar .
Thaw 12 ounces of whipped topping . and have 6 ounces of strawberry gelatin powder ready to roll. this essential mise en place will save you a heap of time.
Time Saving Tips
Honestly, crushing pretzels can be a bit of a pain. i like to throw them in a ziplock bag and whack them with a rolling pin.
Gets out some aggression, too. plus, softening cream cheese is key! don't microwave it; just let it sit out for about 30 minutes.
Trust me, your strawberry pretzel jello salad filling will thank you.
Safety First!
Remember, melted butter can be hot. Be careful, yeah? And when you're dealing with boiling water for the gelatin, keep the kiddos away. We don't want any accidents, darling.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Pretzel Salad: Nailed It!
Here’s how to nail this strawberry pretzel dessert with pretzel crust :
- Crust Time: Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar . Press it into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 10 minutes. Let it cool. Then, chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Filling Magic: Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Fold in 12 ounces of thawed whipped topping and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Layer Up: Spread the filling over the cooled crust. Chill for at least 1 hour. It's gotta be firm.
- Gelatin Prep: Dissolve 6 ounces of strawberry gelatin powder in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir. Add 20 ounces of frozen sliced strawberries. Stir 'til partially thawed.
- Final Chill: Pour gelatin over the filling. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Patience, grasshopper!
- Serve: Cut and enjoy this amazing Strawberry Pretzel Jello .
Visual Cues
The pretzel crust should be golden brown. The gelatin layer should be fully set, not jiggly. You'll know, you know?
Pro Tips for a Showstopping Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad With Frozen Strawberries
Want to take your Jello salad recipes with cream cheese strawberry pretzel desserts to the next level?
- Salty Sweet Balance: Add a pinch of salt to the pretzel crust to enhance the sweet flavors.
- Don't Overmix: When folding in the whipped topping, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate it, resulting in a runny filling.
- Make Ahead Magic: You can make the pretzel crust and filling a day ahead. Just keep them chilled separately. That's your small batch strawberry pretzel salad strategy sorted.
Honestly, this Paula Dean Pretzel Salad inspired delight is so easy, it's almost cheating. Enjoy every bite! It is quite a bit similar to a strawberry pretzel fluff
Recipe Notes for the Best Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Alright, mate! We're diving deeper into this strawberry pretzel dessert . Honestly, it's more than just a recipe, it's an event. Let's make sure yours is spot on!
Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Proper
Presentation, innit? It matters! Plating the Paula Dean pretzel salad can be fun. Think layers.
Pop a dollop of whipped cream on top. Add a few fresh strawberry slices. It'll look like you've made a right effort. A little mint sprig? Why not!
Think about it, would you rather just see a strawberry pretzel fluff thrown on a plate or if it was prettily placed? exactly! plus, try serving it alongside a glass of ice-cold lemonade or maybe even a cheeky prosecco if it's a special occasion.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Safe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This strawberry dessert with pretzel crust is lush the next day.
Keep it covered in the fridge. It'll last for up to 3 days. Job's a good'un.
Freezing? I wouldn't. The texture changes. It gets a bit weird.
Reheating? Nah, you eat this cold. Straight from the fridge is perfect. If you think it isn't the perfect texture give it 30 minutes outside the fridge.
Variations: Mix It Up a Bit
Fancy a change? You can easily tweak this strawberry pretzel jello dessert .
Want a low-sugar version? Use sugar free Jell-O and a sweetener in the cream cheese filling. Easy peasy.
How about a different fruit? Raspberries would be amazing. Or blueberries. Go wild!
Using frozen strawberries? You can use the Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad with Frozen Strawberries without any problems.
Swap Jell-O Strawberry with some sugar free alternatives when creating Small Batch Strawberry Pretzel Salad .
Nutrition Basics: Good For You? Well...
Let's be honest, this isn't kale. But it's not terrible .
Think of it as a treat. A bit of strawberry pretzel jello . It's got some fruit in it.
It's got some calcium. The cream cheese helps. But don't go thinking it's a health food.
Enjoy it. It's a cracking pud. Just don't eat the whole thing in one go.
Making a strawberry pretzel jello salad always brings back memories of family gatherings and that nostalgic, sweet and-salty flavour. now, get baking and make this beauty of jello salad recipes with cream cheese strawberry pretzel desserts for everyone.
Remember, every slice is a little taste of sunshine. happy baking, loves!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my pretzel crust soggy? It's a right royal mess!
A soggy pretzel crust in your strawberry pretzel dessert usually means there was too much moisture. Ensure the crust is cooled completely before adding the cream cheese layer. Also, make sure the butter is melted but not scorching hot when you mix it with the crushed pretzels and sugar, as excessive heat can affect the texture.
Chilling the crust for a full hour can also help solidify that crust.
Can I make strawberry pretzel dessert ahead of time? I'm not Mary Berry, you know!
Absolutely! In fact, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the entire dessert, including the gelatin layer, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving. Just be aware that the pretzel crust might soften slightly over time, but it will still taste delicious.
Think of it as a time saver, a bit like getting a cheeky takeaway instead of cooking from scratch sometimes!
How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from being lumpy in my strawberry pretzel dessert? I want it smoother than James Bond!
The key to a smooth cream cheese layer is to make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, before you start mixing it. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together first until completely smooth, then gently fold in the whipped topping and vanilla.
Avoid overmixing once you add the whipped topping, as this can deflate it. No one likes a lumpy filling!
Can I substitute the Jell-O in the strawberry pretzel dessert? I'm feeling adventurous!
You can certainly experiment! Other red-berry gelatins (raspberry or cranberry) will work similarly and provide a slightly different flavour profile to your strawberry pretzel dessert.
You could even use a clear gelatin mixed with strawberry puree for a more natural strawberry flavour, but you might need to adjust the sweetness. Just make sure you are using the correct ratio of gelatin to water as directed on the packaging of your chosen gelatin powder.
What's the best way to store leftover strawberry pretzel dessert? I might have been a bit too enthusiastic making it!
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days, though the pretzel crust may soften a bit over time.
The beauty of this dessert is that it's still scrumptious even a day or two later almost like a "bake again" surprise, just like a forgotten tin of biscuits!
Can I make this strawberry pretzel dessert a bit healthier? It's a tad decadent, even for me!
You can definitely lighten it up! Use a reduced fat cream cheese and sugar free gelatin. You could also swap some of the whipped topping for Greek yogurt for a protein boost. For the crust, try using whole wheat pretzels.
It won’t be quite the same, but it'll be a step in a healthier direction a bit like choosing salad with your chips instead of just chips!
