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Creamy Church Social Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert

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A nostalgic and fresh dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, creamy tangy filling, and fresh strawberries topped with gelatin. Perfect for potlucks and gatherings, this no-bake treat balances crunchy, silky, and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O), prepared and cooled
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Mix well until all pretzel crumbs are evenly coated and sticky.
  3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to pack it down tight.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool completely (about 15-20 minutes).
  5. In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  6. Fold in 8 ounces whipped topping gently until fully combined, keeping the mixture fluffy.
  7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer.
  8. Prepare the strawberry gelatin according to package instructions and let it cool to room temperature but not set.
  9. Distribute 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  10. Pour the cooled (but still liquid) gelatin over the strawberries carefully, pouring slowly and evenly to avoid disturbing the layers.
  11. Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the gelatin to fully set and flavors to meld.
  12. Before serving, slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Bake the pretzel crust until golden and let it cool fully to avoid sogginess. Beat cream cheese well for smooth texture and fold whipped topping gently to keep it fluffy. Cool gelatin before pouring to prevent melting the cream cheese layer. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices. For gluten-free, substitute pretzels with gluten-free crunchy snacks. Dairy-free options can be made with alternative cream cheese and whipped toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, church social dessert, no bake dessert, creamy dessert, potluck dessert, easy homemade dessert, pretzel crust dessert

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/creamy-church-social-strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert/