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

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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)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Charlene
    February 11, 2018

    Can peach jello and slice peaches
    Work for this receipe?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 11, 2018

      Yes Charlene, it should work 😀

      Reply

  • Kim
    February 6, 2018

    Can you make this without the fruit in it and it still taste the same? I can’t have seeds and would like to make this.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 6, 2018

      Hi Kim, it will still work with only jello and no fruit in the top layer, just keep in mind the top layer will be a little thinner so you can add more jello to the top to make it more substantial.

      Reply

  • C Ewing
    February 3, 2018

    Great recipe! I’ve been making this for at least 30 years and it’s always a hit!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 3, 2018

      I’m glad you love it! 🙂

      Reply

  • Lee
    January 31, 2018

    I doubled the pretzel/butter crust and filling ingredients, using organic whipping cream, as Cool Whip is mainly palm oil and corn syrup – yikes on those saturated fats! It worked beautifully and it much healthier. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 31, 2018

      You’re welcome Lee! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe. Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Cheryl Maxwell
    January 26, 2018

    Thumbs up. 👍🏾 Fantastic.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 26, 2018

      I’m glad you like it Cheryl! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

    • Regina Gray
      February 21, 2018

      Thank you for this, I’ve just started baking and this is very easy and fast to make, I will try it this week end…thanks again

      Reply

  • Diana P.
    January 1, 2018

    I love this recipe! Thanks for sharing. Only problem is my pretzels don’t seem to stick to the pan. So when I go to out on the cream after its cooled from the oven, the pretzels come up. The second time making this i learned how to work with it but did anyone else have similar experience and advice? Thanks !!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 1, 2018

      Hi Diana, it really helps to spoon the cream over the pretzels all around and then spread it. It will have some lift so it’s easiest to spoon it on so you don’t have to work it across the entire pan. I hope that helps for next time! 🙂

      Reply

  • Wendy Benge
    December 19, 2017

    I made this tonight. After baking the pretzel mixture it is really hard and sticks to the pan. I followed directions to a T. I hope it softens up in the fridge otherwise it’s a waste of $.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 19, 2017

      Hi Wendy, it will soften from the cream by morning and should be easier to serve. I hope you love it! 🙂

      Reply

  • Linda
    November 16, 2017

    Can you make this the night before?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 17, 2017

      Hi Linda, this will work if made the night before when using cool whip, but if you substitute with real whipped cream, the pretzels will soften more overnight. I have tested it both ways.

      Reply

  • Irene
    November 8, 2017

    I use pineapple juice instead of water,yummy!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 8, 2017

      Yum! That does sound good! 🙂

      Reply

  • Chuck
    November 5, 2017

    Usually I make the jello last and add frozen strawberries. I have fresh this time so we’ll see how this turns out.

    In the last step, 5, you should change ‘poor’ to ‘pour’.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 5, 2017

      Thanks for sharing and for catching my ooops! I really appreciate that 🙂

      Reply

    • Linda
      December 22, 2017

      Chuck, do frozen strawberries make the Jell-O soupier? Just wondering if I should thaw and drain before adding to the Jell-O. Making tomorrow. 🙂

      Reply

  • Mary
    November 4, 2017

    Can you substitute frozen strawberries when they are out of season?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 5, 2017

      Hi Mary, I think that could still work as long as they are not overly large – you might slice them after they have thawed if they are too big so they don’t stick out over the surface of the jello.

      Reply

      • Megan
        November 18, 2017

        Amount of strawberries if frozen?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          November 20, 2017

          Hi Megan, I would sub with an equal amount of frozen strawberries.

          Reply

          • Megan
            November 22, 2017

            Great thanks!! Makes sense! Glad I came across your recipe. Turned out way better than another time I tried to make!

  • Mary B
    October 26, 2017

    I’ve always loved this recipe. So much so that for Thanksgiving & Xmas, I make it with cranberries vs. strawberries. You just grind up a bag of cranberries, add some sugar (to reduce tartness) to it and let it sit while you make the rest of the recipe. Then add the cranberries to the top and chill.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 26, 2017

      I’m glad you love the recipe Mary! Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Christine
    September 9, 2017

    Hi Natasha! Can you use pretzel sticks (the thin small ones) in this recipe or does it have to be the twists? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 9, 2017

      Hi Christine, either one will work 🙂

      Reply

  • Faye
    September 6, 2017

    This was amazing!! We enjoyed this so much. Very, very yummy!
    I thought 2.5 cups of pretzels was not enough so I added more, maybe 3-3.5 cups. It was great

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 6, 2017

      I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Faye! Thanks for sharing your great review with other readers!

      Reply

  • Beatriz
    September 5, 2017

    I loved this recipe!! I’ve done it three times. It is delicious and perfect for summer time. The only problem I have is when I mix the sugar with the melted butter (for the pretzels). The sugar doesn’t melt, and you can taste the grains of sugar instead of tasting just sweetness. Is this suppose to be like that? Other than that, it is great.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 6, 2017

      HI Beatriz, I haven’t had that same experience – maybe try keep it on the heat just a little longer. A couple other reasons might be: 1. make sure you are pre-baking your crust which also helps the sugar to melt/set and 2. Do not use a course granule sugar (if using raw sugar or organic, pulse the sugar in a food processor to get the same size granules as granulated sugar).

      Reply

  • Jenn
    September 4, 2017

    Followed the recipe exactly and ended up with a thick pretzel layer that was too thick, and a thin cream cheese layer as well. Recipe should not call for that much pretzels. The jello layer is too thin on top as well. 🙁

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 5, 2017

      Hi Jenn, I’m not sure if this helps, but pretzels should be measured before crushing. If you measure pretzels after crushing, you will have significantly more. I haven’t had anyone mention a thin cream cheese layer – is it possible that the amounts were modified from what was in the recipe? Or was a different sized dish used that what is called for?

      Reply

  • Bonnie
    September 3, 2017

    Made it for friends today. Everyone gave it a big thumb’s up. Thank you for such a great recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 4, 2017

      You’re welcome Bonnie! I’m happy to hear that everyone enjoys the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Melanie
    August 7, 2017

    This tasted great – but my pretzels stuck to the bottom of the glass pan and were really difficult to scrape off … should I grease the pan or line it before making?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 7, 2017

      Hi Melanie, Did you alter the proportions? Also, sometimes if you crush the pretzels too finely, it will be more compact of a crust and be more likely to stick. Otherwise, there is enough butter that you should not have to grease the pan. You might also try lining with parchment paper on the bottom to make it easier to cut and serve.

      Reply

    • Julie
      October 18, 2017

      Hi Natasha!
      I have a question, I’m wanting to make this for Sunday. I’ve made it before and it didn’t turn out. so if I were to make it Thursday night would it be good to eat on Sunday?

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        October 19, 2017

        Hi Julie I usually like to make this the night before or max 2 days before so the strawberries stay fresh.

        Reply

  • Lena
    June 30, 2017

    It turned out delicious! And it was super easy to make. I will add this recipe to my favorites for sure!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 1, 2017

      Yay, I’m so happy to hear that Lena! Thanks for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Jana Burke
    June 25, 2017

    Hello there I would love to try this recipe for a family gathering tomorrow evening. I am just wondering if you think it will be OK to make this 24 hours ahead of time? Thank you for the recipe it sounds delicious!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 25, 2017

      Jana, that should be fine, just keep it refrigerated until serving 😬.

      Reply

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