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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes » Strawberry Pretzel Salad Without Cool Whip

    Strawberry Pretzel Salad Without Cool Whip

    Published: Sep 22, 2020 · Modified: Apr 18, 2022 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

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    Pinterest pin for Strawberry Pretzel Salad, 2 pieces on plates with pan in background

    Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a classic recipe that is a family favorite for potlucks. It starts with a salty pretzel crust for the bottom layer. Then a creamy, cool layer of cream cheese and whipped cream (this version is made without Cool Whip)! Finally, a sweet layer of fresh strawberries and jello.

    It is a delicious, addicting combination that results in a dish loved by adults and children alike!

    Piece of layered strawberry pretzel salad on a plate with the pan of jello salad and a basket of strawberries in the background.
    Jump to:
    • What is Pretzel Salad?
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Tips for the Best Salad
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Recommended Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    What is Pretzel Salad?

    Strawberry Pretzel Jell-O Salad is a popular dish in the midwest. It is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy! With such great flavors, there is something for everyone, making it a delicious recipe option for holiday dinners, or really any family gathering!

    I know it is a little confusing that it is called a salad when there is not a single piece of lettuce in the recipe. But in the midwest, you can call it a salad if it has fruit mixed with Jell-O. (I think that is just an excuse to serve dessert as a side dish.)

    There is some debate about whether this is a side dish or a dessert. My vote is to serve it with the meal so that I can have one of my favorite desserts, like mini New York Cheesecakes, as well! But then again, I also love it as an easy dessert. Let's just serve it for both!

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and freshly made whipped cream make this salad more flavorful than many similar recipes. The whipped cream is stabilized so that it is similar to Cool Whip, allowing the buttery pretzel crust to stay crunchy.

    Make-Ahead: It takes about 4 hours for the Jell-O to fully set up. This is perfect because you can make this recipe ahead of time and not have to rush around at the last minute.

    Serves a Crowd: One reason people love to take this salad to potlucks is that it can serve a lot of people! It makes 12 standard servings but can be stretched to serve up to 24 from one pan.

    Ingredients

    Overhead of labeled ingredients.

    Pretzels - Both stick and twist pretzels work equally well. Just make sure that you purchase salted pretzels because the salt is what makes this recipe so delicious! If you don't have pretzels on hand you can substitute graham cracker crumbs.

    Heavy Cream - I like using heavy cream so much better than Cool Whip in this recipe! You can avoid lots of unnecessary chemicals and it is much tastier!

    Cream of Tartar - This ingredient is used to stabilize meringue and it works well in this recipe to keep the whipped cream from separating and making your pretzel crust soggy. It can be left out if you will be serving the same day and do not expect leftovers.

    Cream Cheese - Soften your cream cheese to room temperature so that it blends smoothly into the whipped cream. Low fat cream cheese can be used but the filling will not be as firm.

    Jell-O - Regular or sugar-free Jell-O can be used. You can also mix it up with different flavors of Jell-O.

    Strawberries - If strawberries are in season then I love to use fresh fruit, but frozen sliced strawberries work well too. If you are using a different flavor of Jell-O then you can also use a different kind of fruit, like mandarin oranges, blueberries, or cherries.

    Instructions

    Step One: Make the Pretzel Crust

    • Crush the pretzels by hand or with a rubber mallet into ½-inch to 1-inch pieces. I like crushing them this way versus with a rolling pin or food processor because you can get larger pieces, which make a crunchier crust versus fine crumbs.
    • Once crushed, combine the pretzels with melted butter and sugar. Press mixture into a 9x13 pan and bake. Cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer.
    Collage: Bowl of crushed pretzel pieces with sugar, and overhead of pretzel layer in pan.

    Step Two: Whip the Cream

    • Beat the heavy cream using an electric or hand mixer until it starts to thicken, then add ¼ cup sugar, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract.
    • Increase to high speed and continue beating. Once you can remove the beater and the peaks of the whipped cream stay in place, you have reached the "stiff peak" stage and your whipped cream is ready.

    Step Three: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

    • Blend the cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl, until smooth.
    • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
    • Spread across the cooled pretzel crust. Make sure you spread all the way to the edges of the pan! You want to essentially create a seal between the cream cheese and the pan. This will keep the Jell-O from seeping down and getting the pretzel base soggy.
    • Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the Jell-O layer.
    Collage: Whipped cream in bowl, cream cheese blended, whipped cream added, cream cheese layer in pan.

    Step Four: Make the Jello Layer

    • Boil 2 cups of water in a medium bowl, then stir in the Jell-O until the powder has completely dissolved.
    • Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens to an egg-white consistency.
    • Stir in the strawberries, then pour over the top of the cream cheese.
    • Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
    Collage: Bowl of strawberries and jello, and overhead of finished recipe.

    Tips for the Best Salad

    • Chunks of pretzels make a crunchier crust than pretzel crumbs, making a great texture to contrast the creamy filling.
    • Keep your heavy cream in the refrigerator until you are ready to whip. Cold cream makes the fluffiest whipped cream.
    • Soften cream cheese to room temperature. This will help it blend smoothly into the whipped cream without having any chunks.
    • Press the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edge to seal it. This keeps the Jell-O from leaking into the crust and making it soggy.
    • Chilling each layer before adding the next will help the dish set well, giving you 3 distinct layers.
    • If you are using frozen strawberries, add them in immediately after dissolving the Jell-O. The frozen berries will thicken the hot liquid quickly.
    • For recipes with no-bake fillings like this one, you can place the completed recipe in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. This will help you cut pretty slices.

    Recipe FAQs

    How long does Strawberry Pretzel Salad last?

    Strawberry Pretzel Salad is best enjoyed on the day it is made, as the crust gets softens the longer it sits. It is safe to store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Can I freeze Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad?

    The Jell-O does not hold up well to long-term freezing. I recommend making this recipe on the day that you plan to serve it, rather than freezing it.

    Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

    Yes, any thawed whipped topping can be used in place of the whipped cream, ¼ cup of sugar, cream, or tartar, and vanilla extract, though I prefer the flavor of freshly made whipped cream.

    Why won't my Strawberry Pretzel Salad set?

    There are a few reasons your Strawberry Pretzel Salad may be runny. To help it set properly it is important to chill each layer before adding the next. Make sure that your whipped cream has stiff peaks before folding it into the cream cheese. And follow the recipe directions, not the package directions for the Jell-O.

    This Strawberry Pretzel salad was the dessert for our Iowa state dinner. Check out the other recipes that we served at this dinner!

    You can also view the web story for this recipe!

    Strawberry Pretzel Salad with a bite out of it.

    Recommended Recipes

    • Strawberry Cheesecake Macarons
    • Gruyere and Leek Mashed Potatoes
    • Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake
    • Best Air Fryer Lamb Chops with Garlic & Rosemary

    Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind the scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

    Recipe

    Strawberry salad on a plate with a second slice on a plate along with the pan of pretzel salad.

    Strawberry Pretzel Salad

    Recipe by: Erin
    This make-ahead salad is great for large gatherings, and can be served as a side dish or dessert! It has a delicious salty-sweet crust and freshly made whipped cream filling.
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Chill Time 3 hrs
    Total Time 3 hrs 30 mins
    Course Dessert, Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 527 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Pretzel Crust

    • 3 cups pretzels sticks or twists (about 130 grams)
    • 11 tablespoons butter, melted (160 grams)
    • 3 tablespoon white sugar (38 grams)

    Cream Filling

    • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (354 ml)
    • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
    • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

    Jell-O Topping

    • 6 ounces strawberry Jell-O
    • 2 cups boiling water (473 ml)
    • 3 cups fresh strawberries washed and sliced
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    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Place the pretzels into a large Ziploc bag and pound them by hand or with a rubber mallet until they are broken into chunks. The chunks should be less than an inch in size but not crumbs.
    • Mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Pour into a 9x13 pan and press gently into the bottom of the pan.
      Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
    • Place whipping cream and cream of tartar in a mixing bowl. Using the whisk attachment for your electric mixer, mix on medium until the mixture begins to thicken. Then turn to high speed and whip for several minutes, until stiff peaks form.
    • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese mixture with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream.
    • Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, being careful to press against the edges of the pan. This will create a seal that prevents the Jell-O from dripping down and getting the crust soggy.
      Place in the refrigerator to set while preparing the Jell-O.
    • Add strawberry Jell-O to boiling water and stir until the Jell-O granules have dissolved. Refrigerate until it has thickened to a consistency similar to that of egg whites (45-60 minutes).
      Add the strawberries and stir to combine. Pour over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 466mg | Potassium: 178mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 1156IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share a photo of your creation with your friends!Mention @stateofdinner or tag #stateofdinner!

    This recipe was originally posted on September 9, 2020. It was updated in April 2022 to share additional tips and new pictures. Here is an old image of my kids helping me make this dish. Crushing pretzels is a fun way to get your kids in the kitchen!

    Girl and Boy Smashing Pretzels with a Mallet.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Becca

      December 27, 2022 at 4:04 pm

      5 stars
      Today was my third time making this recipe and it always turns out great! I love making it for Easter and Christmas meals.

      Reply
      • Erin

        December 28, 2022 at 6:07 pm

        It's one of my favorites for holiday meals too! So glad that you enjoy this recipe!

        Reply
    2. Michelle

      August 03, 2021 at 7:36 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for a family get together and there was nothing left to take home! It was so good! Making again soon.

      Reply
    3. Addie

      July 31, 2021 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      My family loves this recipe! So yummy!

      Reply
    4. Jamie

      July 31, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect for my sweet tooth!

      Reply
    5. Elizabeth

      July 31, 2021 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      Such a delicious recipe! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Linda

      July 30, 2021 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      This is my kind of salad! Refreshing and delicious

      Reply
    7. Jean

      July 30, 2021 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      pretzels are my fave! I can serve this on our next gathering

      Reply
    8. Oscar

      July 30, 2021 at 7:22 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was so good. I love anything made with pretzels.

      Reply
    9. Audrey

      July 30, 2021 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      Such a nice and refreshing dessert.

      Reply
    10. Alexandra

      July 30, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious sweet treat!

      Reply
    11. Ramona

      July 30, 2021 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      This looks incredible! Love it and I will be making it this weekend for my guests. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Erin, wife, mom, and lover of great food. I am passionate about cooking mostly from scratch recipes that bring comfort, without spending all day in the kitchen. Most recipes on this site can be made in under 30 minutes! This approach to cooking allows me to provide delicious meals for my family while freeing up time to spend with those I love.

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