This is the best strawberry pretzel dessert ever. Not only does it have amazing sweetness, but it’s packed full of crunch and a bit of salty, too!

square serving of strawberry pretzel dessert topped with whipped cream and a pretzel

This strawberry dessert recipe is one that is packed full of fun flavors. It’s a distinct dessert that everyone loves and loves even more when someone else makes it and brings it to all the fun gatherings and BBQs! You will find yourself making this easy strawberry recipe over and over again. It’s a family favorite for a reason!

strawberry pretzel dessert served in a casserole glass dish

Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

Homemade strawberry desserts always become super popular once the strawberry season hits. And it makes perfect sense, right? There are very few flavors that pop quite as fresh, ripe strawberries picked right from the vine. This is what makes this strawberry-pretzel salad recipe unique.

Also known as Jello Pretzel Salad, this is one recipe that I grew up eating and I love being able to share it with my family now. It’s a simple classic recipe that never gets old. I just love the layers of salty pretzels paired up with the sweet strawberries and cream cheese filling.

If you’re a huge fan of strawberries, make certain to check out this Strawberry Ice Water Hack that Gives New Life To Mushy Strawberries! You’re going to be amazed. Then make Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake too!

Ingredients

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

For the crust:

Crushed pretzels – You can put the pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor.
Butter
Sugar

For the filling:

Whipped topping
Cream cheese – Let this come to room temperature before you start the recipe.
Sugar

For the topping:

Strawberry gelatin
Boiling water
Frozen sweetened sliced strawberries – You’ll need to thaw these first!
Additional whipped topping and pretzels – These are optional.

steps to make and assemble strawberry pretzel dessert

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

1. Make the Crust

In a bowl, combine the pretzels, butter and sugar. Press into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

2. Make the Filling

To make the filling, beat whipped topping, cream cheese and sugar in a bowl until smooth. Spread over pretzel crust. Refrigerate until chilled.

3. Make the Topping

Dissolve the gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl. Stir in sweetened strawberries; chill until partially set. Carefully spoon over filling. Chill until firm, 4-6 hours.

4. Finish

Serve with additional whipped topping and pretzels.

serving of strawberry pretzel dessert topped with whipped cream and a pretzel on top served on a plate

How to Store Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

This recipe will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight storage container.

close up cross section of strawberry pretzel dessert served in a glass casserole dish

FAQ

Will the pretzels in this strawberry pretzel dessert stay crunchy?

They actually won’t. After the first day, the pretzels are not going to have that crunch that you’re looking for. This won’t change the taste at all but it will change the texture so it’s something to be aware of. You can always place pretzels on top to give it a crunch if you want.