Strawberry Pretzel Salad: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Dessert

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy textures all in one bite. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for a classic dessert with a tropical twist: strawberry pretzel salad. This isn’t just any version; we’re taking it to the next level with a secret ingredient that elevates the entire experience. Get ready to learn how to make the perfect strawberry pretzel salad that will be the star of any potluck or holiday gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic strawberry pretzel salad, guaranteed to impress!

Toasted Coconut Crust: The secret is adding toasted coconut flakes to the pretzel crust. The toasting process intensifies the coconut’s natural sweetness and nutty flavor, creating a delightful tropical aroma that perfectly complements the strawberries.

Enhanced Texture: The chewy texture of the toasted coconut provides a counterpoint to the crisp pretzel crust and the smooth cream cheese layer, creating a symphony of textures in every bite.

Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor profile, this strawberry pretzel salad is surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Perfect for Potlucks: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a refreshing and unexpected flavor combination that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed

• 6 oz strawberry Jell-O
• 2 cups boiling water
• 12 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups crushed salted pretzels ((about 4 cups whole pretzels))
• 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz cool whip, thawed in the fridge
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Let’s talk about some ingredients and how we can make this recipe work for you.

Pretzels: I prefer using pretzel sticks for this recipe, but mini twists work just as well. If using mini twists, you may need to adjust the amount slightly to achieve the right consistency. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pretzels. You can learn more about the history of pretzels and their various forms at Snack History.

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth cream layer. If you forget to take it out of the fridge in advance, you can soften it quickly by placing the unopened package in a bowl of warm water for about 15 minutes.

Cool Whip: While Cool Whip provides a specific texture and sweetness, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different. For a dairy-free alternative, use a dairy-free whipped topping.

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the Jell-O.

Jell-O: While strawberry Jell-O is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors that pair well with pretzels and strawberries. Raspberry or orange Jell-O can also be delicious. I’d advise avoiding fruits that release too much liquid, such as pineapple, mango, kiwi, or watermelon, as they can make the salad soggy. Learn more about Jell-O and its various flavors on the official Jell-O website.

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Follow these simple steps to create your own delightful strawberry pretzel salad!

Step 1: Dissolve the Jell-O

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the 6 oz package of strawberry Jell-O with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the Jell-O is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature while you prepare the other layers.

Step 2: Crush the Pretzels

Place the 4 cups of whole salted pretzels in a sturdy ziploc bag. Using a rolling pin, crush the pretzels into coarse pieces. You want a texture that’s not quite powder but not too chunky – think roughly crushed.

Step 3: Make the Pretzel Layer

In a medium saucepan, melt 12 Tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and stir until combined. The sugar helps the crust achieve a nice texture and flavor. Next, mix in the crushed pretzels, ensuring they are evenly coated with the butter and sugar mixture. Transfer the mixture to a 13×9 glass casserole dish, pressing the pretzel mix evenly over the bottom of the dish. The sugar and butter bind the crust together, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Bake the pretzel crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes at 350°F. The crust should be golden brown when it’s ready. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Add Toasted Coconut (Unique Twist!)

Evenly sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the baked crust, gently pressing them in to adhere. The toasted coconut adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a delightful chewy texture. Let the crust cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Layer

Once the pretzel crust has cooled completely, it’s time to make the cream cheese layer. In a mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and white. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be wonderfully fluffy and smooth.

Step 7: Spread the Cream Layer

Gently fold in the 8 oz of thawed Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks of cream cheese remain. Be careful not to overmix. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to spread it to the edges of the dish to create a tight seal. This helps prevent moisture from seeping into the pretzel crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the cream layer to set slightly.

Step 8: Prepare the Jell-O Layer

While the cream layer is chilling, hull and slice 1 lb of fresh strawberries. Stir the sliced strawberries into your room temperature strawberry Jell-O.

Step 9: Assemble and Chill

Pour and spread the strawberry Jell-O mixture evenly over your cooled cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until the Jell-O is completely set, which usually takes 2-4 hours.

Preventing a Soggy Pretzel Crust

A soggy pretzel crust is the bane of every strawberry pretzel salad enthusiast! But don’t worry, here’s how to prevent it.

First and foremost, ensure the pretzel crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer. Warmth encourages moisture migration, leading to sogginess.

Seal the Deal: Make sure the cream cheese layer is spread all the way to the edges of the dish. This creates a barrier, preventing the Jell-O’s moisture from seeping into the pretzel crust.

The butter and sugar in the crust play a crucial role beyond just flavor. They create a moisture barrier and provide structural support. The Maillard reaction, that browning process during baking, also contributes to the crust’s stability.

Soggy SOS: If your crust is already soggy, you can try blotting the bottom with paper towels before adding the cream cheese layer, but prevention is always best!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your strawberry pretzel salad is a masterpiece!

Pro Tips

• Place unopened cream cheese package in warm water for 15 minutes to soften quickly.
• Let the crust cool completely and the jello congeal slightly, this keeps the layers neat and well defined.
• Toast the coconut flakes for an even deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Ensure the Jell-O is completely cooled, but not setting, before adding the strawberries.
• Use a 13×9 glass casserole dish for even baking and easy serving.
• Chill the salad for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much water when dissolving the Jell-O, preventing it from setting properly.
• Crushing the pretzels too finely, resulting in a hard crust. Crush them coarsely instead.
• Not sealing the cream layer to the edges, allowing moisture to seep into the pretzel layer.
• Adding warm Jell-O to the cream cheese layer, causing it to melt.

Serving & Storage

Here’s how to best serve and store your delicious creation.

Serving Ideas

• Add a handful of scattered blueberries on top of the strawberry layer for a 4th of July theme.
• Serve chilled, directly from the fridge.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Garnish with extra sliced strawberries and toasted coconut flakes.

Storage and Make-Ahead

• Strawberry pretzel salad can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator.
• Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the cream cheese and Jell-O.

Conclusion

My Strawberry Pretzel Salad with Toasted Coconut is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy, with a unique tropical twist that elevates it above the ordinary. It’s easy to make, even for beginners, and is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or Jell-O flavors to create your own signature version. Share this recipe with your friends and family and enjoy the deliciousness!

FAQ

Is strawberry pretzel salad actually a salad?

While it’s called a salad, strawberry pretzel salad is generally considered a dessert due to its sweetness and sugary components. For another easy potluck dessert, why not try our Snickers apple salad?

What can I use instead of Cool Whip?

You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute for Cool Whip. Keep in mind that the taste and texture will be slightly different. Homemade whipped cream will be less sweet and have a richer, creamier texture.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the Jell-O layer?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the Jell-O to prevent a watery salad.

How far in advance can I make strawberry pretzel salad?

You can make strawberry pretzel salad 1-2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

How do I prevent the pretzel crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer, and seal the cream cheese layer to the edges of the dish to prevent moisture from seeping into the pretzel crust.

What other Jell-O flavors can I use?

Raspberry or orange Jell-O are excellent alternatives to strawberry, complementing the pretzels and other ingredients beautifully.

Can I freeze strawberry pretzel salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as it can significantly affect the texture of the cream cheese and Jell-O, making it less enjoyable.

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