Heavenly Strawberry Pretzel Delight
This Heavenly Strawberry Pretzel Delight is an irresistible dessert that perfectly balances crunchy, salty pretzels with creamy sweetness. Originating from a cherished family recipe shared by my daughter, it has quickly become a favorite among our loved ones. The combination of whipped cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and sweet gelatin creates a stunning layered treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for summertime gatherings, picnics, or as a festive holiday dessert, this treat will surely impress your guests and leave them craving for more!
18
Servings
139
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed pretzels
2 cups (Crushed to a coarse consistency)
Butter
3/4 cup (Melted)
White sugar
3 tablespoons (Granulated)
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (Softened to room temperature)
White sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Frozen whipped topping
1 (8 ounce) carton (Thawed)
Strawberry gelatin
2 (3 ounce) packages (Unprepared)
Boiling water
2 cups (For dissolving gelatin)
Frozen strawberries
2 (10 ounce) packages (Thawed slightly)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until the pretzels are evenly coated.
3
Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
4
Bake the pretzel crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until set and lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.
5
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of white sugar together until smooth and creamy.
6
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
7
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, creating a smooth layer.
8
In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
9
Add the thawed frozen strawberries into the gelatin mixture, and let it set for a few minutes until it thickens to the consistency of egg whites.
10
Carefully pour the gelatin and strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
11
Refrigerate the entire dessert for at least 2 hours, or until firmly set before serving.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
17g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Strawberry Pretzel Delight?
It is a layered dessert that balances a salty, crunchy pretzel crust with a sweet cream cheese center and a strawberry gelatin topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 18 servings.
What are the three main layers of this dessert?
The layers consist of a baked pretzel crust, a whipped cream cheese filling, and a strawberry gelatin layer with fruit.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long should the pretzel crust be baked?
The crust should be baked for 8 to 10 minutes until it is set and lightly golden.
What ingredients are needed for the pretzel crust?
The crust requires 2 cups of crushed pretzels, 3/4 cup of melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar.
How do I prepare the cream cheese layer?
Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar, then gently fold in 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 139 calories.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 17 grams of carbohydrates.
What size baking dish should be used?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the dessert need to refrigerate?
The dessert should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours or until it is firmly set.
How much boiling water is needed for the gelatin?
You will need 2 cups of boiling water to dissolve the strawberry gelatin.
What type of gelatin is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce packages of strawberry gelatin.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for frozen strawberries, fresh ones can be used, though the texture of the gelatin layer may vary.
Do I need to thaw the frozen strawberries?
Yes, the strawberries should be thawed slightly before being added to the gelatin mixture.
How thick should the gelatin be before pouring it over the cream cheese?
The gelatin should set until it reaches the consistency of egg whites before it is poured over the cream cheese layer.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 2 grams of protein per serving.
What is the best way to crush the pretzels?
The pretzels should be crushed to a coarse consistency, which can be done with a rolling pin or food processor.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be substituted, though it may slightly change the richness of the filling.
What should I do if my cream cheese is still cold?
It is best to let it soften to room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Is this recipe considered a dessert or a salad?
It is often referred to as a 'pretzel salad' in many regions, but it is categorized as a gelatin dessert.
How do I prevent the pretzel crust from getting soggy?
Ensure the cream cheese layer is spread all the way to the edges of the pan to create a seal that prevents the gelatin from soaking into the crust.
Can this dessert be made a day in advance?
Yes, making it the day before allows it plenty of time to set firmly in the refrigerator.
What type of sugar is used for the filling?
One cup of granulated white sugar is used for the cream cheese filling.
Is the whipped topping added directly to the cream cheese?
It should be gently folded in after the cream cheese and sugar have been beaten together until smooth.
What makes this dessert 'sweet and salty'?
The combination of the salted pretzels in the crust and the sugary strawberry and cream cheese layers creates the sweet and salty flavor profile.
Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry or orange, though strawberry is the traditional choice.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted for the crust?
Either works, but unsalted butter is often preferred since the pretzels already provide a significant amount of salt.
How should leftovers be stored?
Any leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator to keep the layers firm.