Strawberry Pretzel Delight
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and salty with this Strawberry Pretzel Delight. This layered dessert features a crispy pretzel crust, whipped cream cheese layer, and a luscious strawberry gelatin topping that promises to be a hit at any gathering. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a special treat, this dessert serves a crowd and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
16
Servings
225
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed pretzels
2 cups (none)
Melted butter
1/2-1 cup (none)
Granulated sugar
3 tablespoons (for crust)
Dream Whip
1 package (2 ounces) (prepare as directed on package)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Granulated sugar
3/4 cup (for cream cheese layer)
Strawberry Jell-O
1 package (3 ounces) (prepared as directed on package)
Frozen strawberries
12-16 ounces (thawed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix well to ensure even coating.
3
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
4
While the crust is cooling, prepare the whipped topping. In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Fold in the prepared Dream Whip until well combined.
5
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate to firm up the layer.
6
Prepare the strawberry gelatin according to package instructions, but allow it to partially set before proceeding.
7
Fold in the thawed strawberries into the partially set gelatin.
8
Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring an even distribution.
9
Refrigerate for several hours or until the gelatin is fully set.
10
Once set, cut the dessert into squares and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
29g
Carbs
2.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberry Pretzel Delight?
Strawberry Pretzel Delight is a layered dessert that combines sweet and salty flavors, featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a strawberry gelatin topping.
How many layers are in this dessert?
There are three distinct layers: a baked pretzel crust, a whipped cream cheese layer, and a strawberry gelatin top layer.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe yields 16 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving.
What oven temperature is required for the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do I need to bake the pretzel crust?
The crust should be baked for 10 minutes.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for 12-16 ounces of thawed frozen strawberries, fresh strawberries can be used, though the texture of the gelatin layer may vary slightly.
What is Dream Whip?
Dream Whip is a brand of whipped topping mix that comes in a powder form and is prepared with milk and vanilla before being folded into the cream cheese.
How much butter is needed for the crust?
The recipe suggests using between 1/2 cup to 1 cup of melted butter depending on the desired consistency of the crust.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, softening the 8 ounces of cream cheese ensures it blends smoothly with the sugar and whipped topping.
How much sugar goes into the cream cheese layer?
You will need 3/4 cup of granulated sugar for the cream cheese layer.
What does 'partially set' mean for the gelatin?
Partially set means the gelatin has begun to thicken to the consistency of egg whites, which helps hold the strawberries in place rather than letting them sink or float unevenly.
How do I prevent the pretzel crust from getting soggy?
Ensure you spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges of the pan to create a seal, preventing the gelatin from soaking into the pretzel layer.
Is this dessert served warm or cold?
This dessert must be served chilled and kept refrigerated until ready to eat.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 11g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 29g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dessert provide?
This dessert provides 2.2g of protein per serving.
What kind of pretzels should I use?
Traditional salted pretzels work best to provide the 'salty' contrast to the sweet layers.
Do I need to bake the cream cheese layer?
No, only the pretzel crust is baked. The cream cheese and gelatin layers are set by refrigeration.
How long does the dessert need to refrigerate?
The dessert should be refrigerated for several hours, or until the gelatin layer is fully firm.
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
While this is a strawberry recipe, you could technically swap the strawberry Jell-O and frozen strawberries for raspberry or peach alternatives.
How do I crush the pretzels?
You can crush them by hand in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin or pulse them briefly in a food processor for a more uniform crumb.
Is there sugar in the pretzel crust?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar are mixed with the crushed pretzels and butter.
What type of gelatin is used?
One 3-ounce package of Strawberry Jell-O is used for the top layer.
Is this a good recipe for potlucks?
Yes, it is an excellent potluck dish because it serves a crowd and can be made in advance.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The fiber content for this specific recipe is negligible.
How do I thaw the frozen strawberries?
You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before folding them into the gelatin.
Should the crust be hot when I add the cream cheese?
No, the crust must be cooled completely before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.