Strawberry Crinkle Salad (Printable Version)

Fresh strawberries layered over creamy filling and crispy pretzel crust for a sweet-salty dessert

# What You Need:

→ Pretzel Crust

01 - 2 cups salted pretzels, crushed
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

→ Creamy Layer

04 - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed

→ Strawberry Layer

07 - 1 (6 oz) package strawberry gelatin
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 1/4 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 1/2 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 Advice:

01 -
  • The pretzel crust stays perfectly crunchy even after days in the fridge thanks to that creamy barrier layer
  • It comes together faster than most desserts but looks like you spent forever on it
02 -
  • That creamy layer must reach all the way to the edges of the dish or your pretzel crust will get soggy
  • Let the gelatin cool enough but do not let it start setting before you pour it or the strawberries will not distribute evenly
03 -
  • Use a food processor to crush pretzels for the most uniform crust texture
  • Run your knife under hot water between cuts for the cleanest slices

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