Strawberry Crinkle Salad (Printable Version)

Layered strawberry dessert with pretzel crust and creamy filling.

# What You Need:

→ 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, thawed

→ Strawberry Layer

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. 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.
02 - 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 gelatin from seeping through. Refrigerate while preparing the next layer.
03 - Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Allow to cool to room temperature but do not let it set.
04 - Arrange sliced strawberries evenly over the creamy layer. Pour the cooled gelatin carefully over the strawberries.
05 - Refrigerate the salad until the gelatin is fully set, at least 2 hours. Slice and serve chilled.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • The sweet salty pretzel crust creates this incredible crunch that nobody ever expects in a dessert salad
  • It travels beautifully and actually tastes better after sitting overnight making it perfect for make ahead hosting
02 -
  • Sealing the creamy layer completely against the crust edges is critical or the gelatin will seep through and make your pretzel layer soggy
  • Let the gelatin cool to room temperature but not a minute longer or it will start setting before you can pour it evenly
03 -
  • Crush pretzels in a sealed ziplock bag with a rolling pin or meat mallet for the most satisfying and therapeutic texture
  • Room temperature ingredients for the creamy layer are the difference between silky smooth and unfortunate tiny lumps

Go Back