Here’s a list of all the ingredients for **Judy's Strawberry Pretzel Salad**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help you rank better in search results:
- **For the Pretzel Crust:**
- 2 cups **crushed pretzels** (use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free option)
- ¾ cup **unsalted butter** (melted, for a rich and buttery crust)
- 3 tablespoons **granulated sugar** (adds sweetness to the salty pretzel base)
- **For the Cream Cheese Layer:**
- 8 oz **cream cheese** (softened, for a smooth and creamy texture)
- 1 cup **granulated sugar** (balances the tanginess of the cream cheese)
- 8 oz **whipped topping** (like Cool Whip, for a light and fluffy layer)
- **For the Strawberry Gelatin Layer:**
- 6 oz **strawberry gelatin mix** (use sugar-free gelatin for a low-sugar version)
- 2 cups **boiling water** (to dissolve the gelatin)
- 2 cups **fresh strawberries** (sliced, for a fresh and fruity topping)
- Optional: **additional strawberries** for garnish
- **Optional Additions:**
- **Chopped nuts** (like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch)
- **Vanilla extract** (a splash for extra flavor in the cream cheese layer)
This **Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe** is perfect for **potlucks**, **holiday desserts**, or **summer gatherings**. It combines **sweet and salty flavors** with a **creamy texture** and **fresh strawberries** for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Steps
# How to Make Judy’s Strawberry Pretzel Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Judy’s Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a classic dessert that combines sweet, salty, and creamy flavors into one irresistible dish. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow and always a crowd-pleaser. Below, we’ll walk you through the detailed steps to create this delicious treat.
---
### **Ingredients You’ll Need**
For the **pretzel crust**:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the **cream cheese layer**:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the **strawberry gelatin layer**:
- 6 oz strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
---
### **Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Crust**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the pretzels are evenly coated.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to form an even crust.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
---
### **Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer**
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
4. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the strawberry gelatin layer.
---
### **Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin Layer**
1. In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add the sliced strawberries to the gelatin mixture and stir gently.
3. Allow the gelatin to cool slightly (about 10-15 minutes) so it thickens but doesn’t set completely.
---
### **Step 4: Assemble the Salad**
1. Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
2. Return the dish to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
---
### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. Once set, cut the Strawberry Pretzel Salad into squares and serve chilled.
2. Garnish with additional whipped topping or fresh strawberries if desired.
---
### **Tips for Success**
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the pretzel crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- For a twist, try using different gelatin flavors like raspberry or mixed berry.
---
This Judy’s Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. With its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s no wonder this dish has become a classic. Try it today and watch it disappear!