This Strawberry Pretzel Pie is the perfect combination of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy. It’s a delightful dessert that features a buttery pretzel crust, a layer of smooth cream cheese filling, and a refreshing strawberry topping. The contrast between the salty pretzel crust and the sweet strawberries is irresistible, making this pie a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or a family dinner, this pie is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 package (6 ounces) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until the pretzels are evenly coated.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring the edges are sealed to prevent the gelatin layer from seeping through.
- Refrigerate the pie while preparing the strawberry layer.
- Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
- In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Allow the gelatin to cool slightly, then stir in the sliced strawberries.
- Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
- Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
This Strawberry Pretzel Pie is best served cold and can be garnished with additional whipped topping or fresh strawberries for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy!
