Strawberry Crinkle Salad Dessert (Printable Version)

Refreshing layered dessert with strawberries, creamy filling, and crispy pretzel crust.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pretzel Crust

01 - 2 cups salted pretzels, crushed
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - ¼ cup granulated sugar

→ Creamy Layer

04 - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
05 - ½ cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

→ Strawberry Layer

07 - 1 (6 oz) package strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
08 - 2 cups boiling water
09 - 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 - In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely.
03 - In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and ½ cup sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges to prevent the jelly from seeping through. Refrigerate while preparing the next layer.
04 - In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Allow to cool to room temperature but do not let it set.
05 - Arrange sliced strawberries evenly over the creamy layer. Pour the cooled gelatin carefully over the strawberries.
06 - Refrigerate the salad until the gelatin is fully set, at least 2 hours. Slice and serve chilled.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • That incredible sweet and salty combination keeps people coming back for seconds
  • It looks impressive but comes together with minimal actual cooking
  • Make it ahead and relax while it chills, leaving you free for guests
02 -
  • The pretzel crust must be completely cool before adding the cream layer or it will melt and separate
  • Seal the edges of the cream layer against the crust really well to prevent the gelatin from seeping underneath
  • Let the gelatin cool but not start setting, or it will not pour evenly over the strawberries
03 -
  • Use a food processor to crush pretzels quickly and evenly
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together so much more smoothly

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