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:

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Strawberry Pretzel Salad

4.94 from 818 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!
4.94 from 818 votes (510 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Marcia Bedrock
    March 10, 2017

    Could you substitute whipped cream for the Cool-Whip?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 10, 2017

      Hi Marcia, please see the note under the second picture of the ingredients for more info on using whipped cream 🙂

      Reply

  • April Hoosier
    March 9, 2017

    If I only have pretzel rods how many would I use

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 9, 2017

      Hi April, I have no idea to be honest without crushing and measuring them. Try to get about 2 cups of crushed pretzels.

      Reply

  • Inez
    February 24, 2017

    Would frozen strawberries work in this recipe??

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 24, 2017

      Hi Inez, I have used frozen raspberries before, so I think frozen strawberries would work fine. If they are large, you may need to halve or a quarter them so they are submerged beneath the surface of the Jell-O.

      Reply

  • Elis
    February 23, 2017

    Could i replace the pretzel with anything else? around where i am we don’t get pretzels easily, is there something i can use instead?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 24, 2017

      A couple of my readers have reported great results using graham crackers. You might look online for proportions with other recipes that use graham crackers. I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Ashley
    February 4, 2017

    So disappointed. I followed this exactly and when I went to spread cool whip on top of cooled off pretzels, they didn’t stick together and I couldn’t even spread the cool whip mixture on top. 😔

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 4, 2017

      Hi Ashley, I’m always happy to help troubleshoot. If you maybe used a different sized pan, that could have spread the pretzels too thin, or if the pretzels were too large of pieces, or that can happen if you use less butter or sugar. Also, it REALLY helps to put the cream part on top in scoops before spreading just like I did in the video – did you have a chance to watch the video tutorial to see if you missed anything in the recipe or method? I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Stephanie
    February 1, 2017

    I am very excited to try this & I really don’t care to be in the EVIL room. lol. Just saw the news this evening on the fighting in Ukraine & hope none of your people are involved. Sending prayers.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 1, 2017

      Thankfully it hasn’t affected our relatives there because they live on the other side of Ukraine from where the fighting is happening, but I’m sure it is adversely affecting everyone in Ukraine 🙁 Thanks Stephanie!

      Reply

  • Ana
    January 23, 2017

    Can this be done at advance and be freeze ? Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 23, 2017

      Hi Ana, I haven’t tried that so I can’t say for sure how the dish would hold up in the freezer. I’ve never frozen jello before! Also, I don’t think the pretzels would stay crunch, but may become soft/mushy when it’s thawed which is why I probably would not want to risk freezing it.

      Reply

  • Lee
    January 11, 2017

    I know this is old, but we also love this! We have found that the pretzels don’t come near covering our 9×13 enough to make a crust, so we do increase the pretzel/sugar/butter by one half (an additional 4T of butter, 1 1/4 c pretzels, and 1/8 c sugar). So good and I love that the crust stays crispy – I have had this one too many times with run-away jello in the pretzels.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 11, 2017

      I’m so glad you enjoy it!! 🙂

      Reply

  • Tatiana Cojan
    January 6, 2017

    We love this recipe, i’ve made this recipe so many times due to requests of my family:) Thankyou Natasha for such amazing recipes, i love making recipes from your blog because they are easy to follow and super delicious:):):) God bless you and your family:)

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 7, 2017

      Thank you so much Tatiana! These are the best kind of reviews!

      Reply

  • Honey ann
    January 4, 2017

    Hi Natasha, do you think this will work if I use a 13×9 baking pan instead of a glass baking dish?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 4, 2017

      I do think it would but keep in mind if you’re using a non-stick pan, it will get scraped up because you have to cut the slices out of the pan. Enjoy!

      Reply

  • Barbara yacone
    December 29, 2016

    Made it for the first time. Everyone eat the whole thing.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 29, 2016

      Love to hear that Barbara! 🙂

      Reply

  • Dee
    December 27, 2016

    I refuse to make this…. because when I do.. I end up eating the whole thing!!!!!! OMG!!!!!! 😂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 27, 2016

      I’m so glad you enjoy it Dee! Thanks for sharing your review 🙂

      Reply

  • Allan R.
    December 21, 2016

    I make this regularly and always get raving reviews. I shared this recipe several times (by lining to your website) and I noticed there is a confusion with Canadians about how much Cool Whip to use. Your recipe calls for 8oz tab of Cool Whip, In Canada it comes as 1Little and lots of people assume that both are volume measurements and use only approximately quarter of the Cool Whip.
    When in reality 8oz in your recipe in weight (226g) and they need to use entire tab of Cool Whip. I thought I would mention it, I had to explain this 3 times.
    But the recipe is just great! I do exactly the way you tell us and it turns out wonderful. I had friend ask me to just caramelize pretzels for him.
    Thank you again for your recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 21, 2016

      That’s good to know! Thank you for sharing Allan. 🙂

      Reply

  • Soumya
    December 13, 2016

    Thank u Natasha for this awesome recipe. Made it last sunday for my church members and it was a hit!😃 There was not a single piece left…😀

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 13, 2016

      I am so glad hear that! Thank your for sharing Soumya! 🙂

      Reply

  • JoElle
    December 7, 2016

    I made this last night for a potluck at work and it was such a big hit! It tasted amazing, except I noticed that I had a bit of trouble with the crust; it crumbled really easily and didn’t really stay together. I had the perfect amount to cover the bottom of the pan, but do you have any suggestions on how to keep the crust together?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 7, 2016

      Hi JoElle, did you pre-bake the crust? It may help to crush the pretzels a little finer to help them stay together better.

      Reply

      • JoElle
        December 8, 2016

        I pre-baked it 🙂 I’ll definitely try to crush them finer next time and maybe add a little more pretzels so they’re packed in the baking dish! Thank you! 🙂

        Reply

  • Becca
    November 21, 2016

    If I make sure I see all that cream layer, do you think I could make this dish the day before?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 21, 2016

      Yes, that will work. The only time the pretzels got soft on my the next day was when I used whipped cream instead of cool whip. Otherwise, absolutely you can make it the day before 🙂

      Reply

  • Mickey Streeter
    November 20, 2016

    Could you use orange jello and Manderin oranges (well drained)?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 21, 2016

      I think that would work fine 🙂

      Reply

  • Raquel
    November 15, 2016

    I’ve tried this recipe a few times and everyone has LOVED it.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 15, 2016

      Raquel, thank you for sharing such a nice review with us 😀.

      Reply

  • Allison
    November 13, 2016

    This recipe was great but my pretzels came out soggy. Any tips for keeping them crunchy? Thank for sharing such a good recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 13, 2016

      Hi Allison, the usual cause of pretzels becoming soggy is if the cream portion isn’t sealed correctly and the jello seeps down into the pretzels before it sets. This is why it is super important to seal the cream part. Also, I have tried it with whipped cream instead of cool whip which caused the pretzels to be soft the following day. I hope that helps! 🙂

      Reply

  • Joyce Johnson
    October 25, 2016

    can you use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 25, 2016

      Hi Joyce, frozen strawberries would work ok, but if using frozen fruit, I prefer to use frozen raspberries. This post should help with the quantity 🙂

      Reply

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