Strawberry Crinkle Salad Dessert (Printable)

Sweet layered dessert with fresh strawberries, creamy filling, and salty pretzel crust

# What You'll Need:

→ Pretzel Crust

01 - 2 cups crushed salted pretzels
02 - ½ cup melted unsalted butter
03 - ¼ cup granulated sugar

→ Creamy Layer

04 - 1 (8 oz) package softened cream cheese
05 - ½ cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 (8 oz) container thawed whipped topping

→ Strawberry Layer

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

# How To Make:

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 - 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 completely to prevent 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 without letting it set.
04 - Arrange sliced strawberries evenly over the creamy layer. Pour the cooled gelatin carefully over the strawberries. Refrigerate until the gelatin is fully set, at least 2 hours. Slice and serve chilled.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The salty sweet combo hits every craving at once
  • It travels beautifully and actually gets better after sitting for a day
  • People think you spent hours but it comes together in about 30 minutes
02 -
  • Sealing the edges of the cream cheese layer is the most important step for texture
  • Let the gelatin cool completely before pouring or it will melt your creamy layer
  • This actually tastes better the next day when all the flavors have mingled
03 -
  • Use a glass baking dish so you can check that the gelatin is fully set
  • Room temperature ingredients for the creamy layer prevent lumps every time

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