Strawberry Pretzel Salad is always a hit at parties. It’s dangerously good! The combination of sweet, salty and tart make it irresistible. This layered strawberry pretzel dessert is loved by adults and kids.

Jello recipes are the perfect potluck dessert because they keep well and are easy to make which is why this Strawberry Pretzel salad is so popular during the holidays. Our jello cake and classic raspberry pretzel jello are also reader favorites this time of year.

Slice of strawberry pretzel salad served on a plate with layers of pretzels, cream and strawberry strawberry jello dessert

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Why is it Called “Pretzel Salad”?

There is a massive debate on Facebook as to why this is called a “salad” and it really is a passionate debate (very entertaining to read). can a pretzel jello salad be a salad? I just want to put it out there that I did NOT name this dish. So, what do you think: Salad? or Dessert?

Pretzel salad sliced in a casserole dish showing layers of the pretzel salad

Can I Substitute Cool Whip?

Cool Whip provides the best results because it doesn’t soften the pretzels and keeps better overnight. You may substitute with more natural version like “True Whip“.

If using whipped cream (by beating 1 cup heavy whipping cream until stiff and fluffy) and although this substitution tastes good, it softens the pretzel crust so the crust isn’t as crisp. If using whipped cream, add 2/3 cup sugar to the cream cheese to reach the same sweetness and refrigerate the cream portion for 45 minutes for it to set better.

Ingredients for strawberry pretzel salad with cool whip substitute

What Kind of Pretzels are Best for Pretzel Jello?

Use small, SALTED pretzels (either sticks or traditional pretzel twists). Salted hard pretzels add the salty element which is surprising but so good. Smaller pretzels are easier to crush and measure.

Tips for Strawberry Pretzel Salad:

  • Dissolve the jello according to recipe instructions (NOT package instructions)
  • Use softened cream cheese and thaw cool whip in the refrigerator
  • Measure 2 1/2 cups of whole pretzels
  • Spread cream portion all the way to the edges for a tight seal before adding jello
  • Pour room temperature jello gently over the top to prevent cracks in the cream layer

Watch How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad:

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is the first video recipe that went viral on Facebook and now has been viewed over 50,000,000 MILLION TIMES! Thank you for watching and sharing our videos with your friends and family. I’m so thankful for you!

We really enjoy making video recipes for you all. Thank you for subscribing to our . It’s so encouraging to see it growing so quickly!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

4.95 from 791 votes
This strawberry pretzel salad is always a hit at parties. It's a strawberry jello dessert that is dangerously good! It's sweet, salty, tart and irresistible!
This strawberry pretzel salad is easy to assemble and is always a hit at parties. The combination of sweet, salty and tart make it irresistible.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours

Ingredients 

Servings: 12 slices
  • 6 oz strawberry Jell-O
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 1/2 cups salted pretzels, (measured before crushing)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 oz cool whip, thawed in the fridge
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Combine strawberry Jell-O with 2 cups boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  • Crush 2 1/2 cups pretzels in a sturdy ziploc bag, using a rolling pin.
  • In a medium sauce pan, melt 8 Tbsp butter then add 1/4 cup sugar and stir. Mix in crushed pretzels. Transfer to a 13x9 glass casserole dish, pressing the pretzel mix evenly over the bottom of the dish and bake for 10 min at 350°F, then cool to room temp.
  • When pretzels have cooled, use an electric hand mixer to beat 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar on med/high speed until fluffy and white. Fold in 8 oz Cool Whip until no streaks of cream cheese remain. Spread mixture over cooled pretzels, spreading to the edges of the dish to create a tight seal. Refrigerate 30 min.
  • Hull and slice 1 lb strawberries then stir into your room temperature jello. Pour and spread strawberry jello mixture evenly over your cooled cream cheese layer and refrigerate until jello is set (2-4 hours).

Nutrition Per Serving

338kcal Calories47g Carbs4g Protein15g Fat9g Saturated Fat44mg Cholesterol354mg Sodium126mg Potassium1g Fiber30g Sugar530IU Vitamin A22.2mg Vitamin C52mg Calcium1.1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Amount per Serving
Calories
338
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
 
9
g
56
%
Cholesterol
 
44
mg
15
%
Sodium
 
354
mg
15
%
Potassium
 
126
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
47
g
16
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
30
g
33
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
530
IU
11
%
Vitamin C
 
22.2
mg
27
%
Calcium
 
52
mg
5
%
Iron
 
1.1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Strawberry Pretzel Dessert, Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 338
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Tools We Used for this Strawberry Pretzel Jello (affiliate links):

2 Quart Ovenproof Glass Batter Bowl
Glass baking dish
Breville Stainless Steel Electric Kettle
Glass mixing bowl
Stainless Steel Saucepan
Le Creuset Silicone Spatula
Wusthof Classic Ikon 6-inch Utility Knife
OXO Good Grips Nylon Flexible Turner

I hope this pretzel ‘salad’ becomes a new favorite for you! If you have a suggestion for something you want to see on our blog, I’d love to hear about it in a comment below.

This strawberry pretzel salad is always a hit at parties. It's a strawberry jello dessert that is dangerously good! It's sweet, salty, tart and irresistible!
4.95 from 791 votes (510 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Julie
    November 27, 2024

    Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of cool whip? thx

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 27, 2024

      Hi Julie! I have not tested that to make exact recommendations on some changes that you need. I imagine that will work too but you might need to whip the heavy cream to a similar consistency and add some sugar to mimic the sweetness of Cool Whip.

      Reply

  • Cheryl
    November 27, 2024

    Hi all, I use two cream cheese packages with this recipe and one cool whip. Seems to cover better in my opinion. And super delightful. This receipt is very delightful

    Reply

  • Sharon
    November 27, 2024

    If I use frozen strawberries, should I drain the juice?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 27, 2024

      Hi Sharon, I always use fresh strawberries since frozen thawed can incorporate a lot of liquid into the jello preventing it from setting properly. They also won’t look as pretty and vibrant since thawed strawberries take on a brownish tint. One of my readers mentioned she adds them frozen to salad.

      Reply

    • Arika
      November 27, 2024

      I have always used frozen strawberries and just thaw and drain first. I’ve never had any issues.

      Reply

      • Naeema
        January 10, 2025

        Hi. Will whipped fresh cream work for this recipe. We don’t get cool whip where I stay

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          January 10, 2025

          Hi there! Yes, I have a note above that states you can make your own whipped cream with sugar and use it in place or cool whip. I hope you love the recipe!

          Reply

  • Jean
    November 26, 2024

    I did this crust just like it said but it’s like rock hard.. did I do something wrong? Will it soften when other parts are put on?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 27, 2024

      There are a few possible reasons on why it turned hard. It could be because it was overbaked, try baking it a bit shorter next time. Make sure that you are also using the right amount of butter and sugar as written in the recipe. Keep an eye on it so it turns a light golden brown, not dark brown when you try it again.

      Reply

    • Sharon
      November 27, 2024

      Yes it will soften some but it is still a pretty tough cut when you do cut thru. Prepare to us a pretty sharp knife.

      Reply

    • Odetta
      November 27, 2024

      Hi Jean , This is my go to dessert to make for family gatherings I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve made it . For some reason when the butter to pretzel ratio is off that happens to me as well . Next time you try to melt the butter on a lower temp so when you add the sugar then pretzel it mixes together well . Hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Silvia
    November 24, 2024

    Recipe is easy to follow. I know it’ll be delicious, its a family favorite.

    Reply

  • Rachael
    November 22, 2024

    Hi,
    I’ve made this dish many of times but have always used canned whipped cream instead of cool whip as I don’t like the fake taste cool whip has. It turns out very good but doesn’t always set the best if I leave in the fridge for a while. I’m guessing the cool whip makes it set better and gives a “fluffier” texture? Just curious if I should make the switch to cool whip or stick with my can. Thanks!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 22, 2024

      Hi Rachael! It’s likely the canned whipping cream that’s causing the issue. If you don’t want to use cool whip, you can make your own homemade whipping cream by beating heavy whipping cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form.

      Reply

  • Karen Winans
    October 26, 2024

    What other fruit might work I have severe allergy to strawberries.

    Reply

  • Kameron
    October 25, 2024

    Was not enough crust for the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Had to make more

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 25, 2024

      Hi Kameron. Did you crush the pretzels small enough as seen in the video?

      Reply

  • Thasni
    October 25, 2024

    Hi Natasha,
    Can we make them a day before the party? Do the pretzels get soggy? I like them crispy.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 25, 2024

      Hi Thasni! Yes, you can make it the day ahead without any issues.

      Reply

  • Terry
    September 20, 2024

    This is such a delicious dessert! I have made it several times for family parties, never any leftovers. I found it’s much easier to put the sliced strawberries on the cheese filling then pouring on the jello so they are more evenly distributed. Thank you for this yummy recipe!

    Reply

  • Lynn
    September 7, 2024

    Not sure what happened but we had to double the recipe but didn’t have another cream cheese.
    First try was a disaster. Tasted amazing pan too large for recipe. We used the 9×13 8×8 would have been much better.

    Reply

    • Mindy
      September 30, 2024

      I have made this recipe over a dozen times, and it has always came out perfect.

      Reply

  • MMH
    August 29, 2024

    My family has made this since I was a kid in the late 70’s not too sure why all of the sudden it’s so popular. It’s a family favorite for any holiday

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 29, 2024

      I’m so happy to hear this is your family favorite! That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Shelly Mills
    August 26, 2024

    There is not enough water add it to the Jell-O. It says follow the recipe not the box. It only calls for on the recipe 2 cups of boiling water.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 26, 2024

      Hi Shelly, we use less water than what the recipe box calls for. I’m not finding where you see a note to follow the box, but if you find that please let me know. This recipe will use less water than the box calls for, for a more concentrated flavor. I hope that helps.

      Reply

      • Mari
        November 30, 2024

        Hi Natasha,
        I followed the recipe exactly written- I used Jello brand and the jello was very rubbery like almost harder biting into- do you have any recommendations? Thank you!

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          November 30, 2024

          Hi Mari! This usually happens if the Jello to liquid ratio is off. I would look over that recipe again and the quantities to make sure you used the right amounts.

          Reply

  • Aurora Paraiso
    August 11, 2024

    Hi Natasha,
    I love your Strawberry Pretzel Salad. I made that twice already. It was so delicious. I would like to make that again in the fall. That’s not the only recipe you posted. I already some of them and I was not disappointed. They are all delicious and so easy to prepare. Thank you Natasha for sending those delicious recipes! Cheers

    Reply

  • Susan Grove
    August 3, 2024

    I love this recipe but I have an idea for those of us who can’t lift heavy dishes. When ready to pour jello over the cream topping I put it in the fridge and then pour the jello over the cream. My salad, although very good, was not as pretty as it could have been because I had trouble carrying the dish to the fridge and some of the salad sloshed over the side.It wasn’t pretty but still tasted very good.

    Reply

  • Ina Hodelmann
    August 2, 2024

    Hi natasha, will frozen strawberries work?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 2, 2024

      Hi Ina, I always use fresh strawberries since frozen thawed can incorporate alot of liquid into the jello preventing it from setting properly. They also won’t look as pretty and vibrant since thawed strawberries take on a brownish tint.

      Reply

      • Ina Hodelmann
        August 5, 2024

        Awesome thanks for getting back to me🙃

        Reply

        • Mariana
          October 1, 2024

          Can you make this like bite sized? Like in a mini muffin pan? I love this recipe but wondering if it would make it easier to do bite sized so people can grab the dessert easier

          Reply

          • NatashasKitchen.com
            October 1, 2024

            Hi Mariana. I haven’t tested it but I think it would be very difficult to remove them from the pan.

    • Treva
      August 3, 2024

      Hi Ina, my grandma always uses frozen strawberries (she keeps them whole, doesn’t slice them) and it always comes out really well!

      Reply

    • Shelly Mills
      August 26, 2024

      My mom started making this in the 80s and nine times out of 10 we use frozen

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        August 26, 2024

        Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

        Reply

      • Nicole
        August 29, 2024

        I like mixing frozen with fresh sliced strawberries. There isn’t much strawberry in the frozen but Natasha is right. My last dish wasn’t as set because it had too much water in it.

        Reply

  • Jenny Moosa
    July 24, 2024

    Hi Natasha! I made this for our annual girls’ trip with my sisters-in-law, mom in law, daughter. It was a big hit!!!! Perfect for a summer dessert!!! I enjoy watching your videos! You are so informative and funny!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 24, 2024

      Hi Jenny! That’s great to hear. Thank you so much.

      Reply

  • Sharon
    July 22, 2024

    Can you make this ahead of time? How long can it be kept in the refrigerator?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 22, 2024

      Hi Sharon, yes you can make this recipe ahead and refrigerate it.

      Reply

      • Barb
        July 22, 2024

        How long can it be kept refrigerated before serving?

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          July 22, 2024

          You can refrigerate until jello is set (2-4 hours).

          Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          July 22, 2024

          Hi Barb, its best to refrigerate it for at least 2-4 hours so it full sets before eating. We prefer to have it same day, but I have readers who mentioned this was good the next day.

          Reply

          • Ann Rathbone
            November 25, 2024

            So just the 2 cups boiling water, no cold water at all?

          • NatashasKitchen.com
            November 25, 2024

            That’s correct.

  • Annabelle
    July 19, 2024

    So yummy and easy to make. It’s the best thing to bring to a party and all my family enjoyed it so much. Absolutely amazing if there was an option for 10 stars thats what it whould be!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 19, 2024

      Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Annabelle!

      Reply

  • Kath
    July 6, 2024

    Make sure to grease the bottom of the dish so the crust doesn’t stick.

    Reply

    • Paul
      July 19, 2024

      The butter takes care of that, I’ve made this recipe at least 20 times and it’s never stuck.

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.