Simple & Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Squares Recipe

Sweet summer memories sparkle through these delightful strawberry pretzel squares that blend salty crunch with creamy smoothness.

Layers of unexpected flavors dance across your palate in surprising harmony.

Crisp pretzel crusts create a unique foundation for silky cream cheese and vibrant strawberry gelatin.

Nostalgic desserts often carry hidden stories of shared moments and cherished gatherings.

Combining contrasting textures makes this treat more than just another dessert, it’s an experience waiting to unfold.

Prepare to be delighted by a simple yet extraordinary recipe that promises to become your new favorite summer indulgence.

Every bite promises a delectable journey you won’t want to miss.

Sweet Salty Berry Treat: Flavorful Contrasts

• Delight in Contrasting Textures: Crunch meets creamy in this dessert, offering a spectacular blend of pretzel crust's salty bite and smooth cream cheese filling that dances on your taste buds.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Pleasure: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, anyone can create this showstopping dessert without complicated techniques or professional baking skills.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations, this dessert impresses guests with its beautiful layers and irresistible sweet-salty combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this treat in advance and let it chill, making it a stress-free dessert option that allows you to spend more time enjoying company and less time in the kitchen.

What’s in Sweet Salty Berry Treat

• Pretzels: Salty base that provides a crunchy foundation for the dessert.
• Butter: Helps bind the pretzel crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the salty pretzel base.

• Whipped Topping, Cream Cheese, Sugar: Smooth, creamy mixture that creates a rich and sweet filling with a light texture.

• Gelatin, Boiling Water: Helps set the strawberry layer and provides structure to the dessert.
• Strawberries: Adds vibrant fruity flavor and beautiful color to the top layer of the treat.

Sweet Salty Berry – Easy Prep Guide

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Turn the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the pretzel crust.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust Base

• Crushed pretzels
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Press the mixed ingredients firmly into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish.

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Filling

• Whipped topping
• Cream cheese
• Sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Spread evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.

Place in the refrigerator to chill until firm.

Step 4: Craft Fruity Topping

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water.

Add thawed strawberries to the gelatin mixture.

Place in the refrigerator and allow to partially set.

Step 5: Layer and Chill Dessert

Gently spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.

Return to the refrigerator and let it set for 4-6 hours until completely firm.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the dessert into square portions.

Optional: Top with additional whipped topping and crushed pretzels for extra crunch and decoration.

Tips for the Best Sweet Salty Treat

• Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine pretzel crumbs for a smoother, more cohesive crust base.
• Allow each layer to set completely in the refrigerator for optimal texture and clean, distinct layers when serving.
• Watch gelatin mixture carefully to ensure it's partially set but still pourable for an even, smooth topping layer.
• Let crust cool completely before adding cream cheese layer to maintain pretzel crunch and prevent moisture absorption.
• Taste and adjust sugar levels in cream cheese and strawberry layers to balance the sweet and salty flavors perfectly.

Berry Treat – Swap-In Ideas

• Gluten-Free Berry Delight: Replace pretzel crust with crushed gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Berry Treat: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative, use coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped topping, and replace gelatin with agar-agar for plant-based option.
• Tropical Berry Remix: Substitute strawberries with mixed tropical fruits like mango, passion fruit, or pineapple for a vibrant flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Berry Sensation: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and opt for sugar-free whipped topping to reduce overall calorie and sugar content.

Serving Up Sweet Salty Berry Treat

• Berry Pretzel Picnic Perfection: Pack this dessert in portable containers for outdoor summer gatherings with friends and family.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Garnish each slice with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of crushed pretzels, and a delicate mint leaf for restaurant-style presentation.
• Whipped Cream Extravaganza: Create decorative swirls of whipped cream on top using a piping bag, adding a professional and visually appealing touch to the dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making party planning super easy and stress-free.

Berry Treat – Storage Simplified

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the dessert chilled to maintain its texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• This dessert is best enjoyed cold directly from the refrigerator. Heating will change the texture of the cream cheese layer and gelatin topping.
• Cut dessert into individual squares before storing to make serving easier and prevent repeated exposure to air.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this dessert?

The key ingredients are pretzels, butter, sugar, cream cheese, whipped topping, strawberries, and gelatin.

• Is this dessert gluten-free?

No, the pretzels used in the crust contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to use gluten-free pretzels.

• How difficult is this recipe to make?

This dessert is relatively easy to make. It requires basic mixing and layering skills with no complex techniques.

• Can I use frozen berries instead of thawed strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen berries. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding to the gelatin mixture.

Strawberry Pretzel Squares Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet and salty strawberry pretzel squares merge creamy cheesecake layers with fresh strawberries and a crunchy pretzel crust. Summer desserts reach delightful heights with this crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to share at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 2 cups (226 grams) crushed pretzels
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons (37 grams) sugar

Filling:

• 1 package (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whipped topping

Topping:

• 2 packages (85 grams each) strawberry gelatin
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) boiling water
• 2 packages (454 grams each) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
• Extra whipped topping (optional)
• Extra pretzels (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing for a delectable layered dessert that combines sweet and salty elements.
2. Create the pretzel base by thoroughly mixing crushed pretzels with melted butter and sugar, then firmly pressing the mixture into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish.
3. Bake the pretzel crust for exactly 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
4. Whip together cream cheese, whipped topping, and sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Chill the layered dessert in the refrigerator until the cream cheese layer becomes firm.
7. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, creating a clear liquid base for the fruity topping.
8. Add thawed strawberries to the gelatin mixture, creating a vibrant and glossy strawberry layer.
9. Refrigerate the strawberry mixture until it begins to set but remains slightly loose.
10. Gently pour the partially set strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, taking care to distribute it evenly.
11. Return the dessert to the refrigerator and chill for 4-6 hours until completely set and firm.
12. When ready to serve, cut into neat squares and optionally garnish with additional whipped topping and crushed pretzels for extra texture.

Notes

• Swap pretzels with gluten-free pretzel crumbs for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
• Reduce sugar content by using low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free whipped topping for a lighter treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Try different berries like raspberries or mixed berries to create unique flavor variations and add exciting color to the dessert.
• Enhance texture by toasting pretzel crumbs briefly before mixing with butter, which will bring out a deeper, nuttier undertone to the crust.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 284
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 238 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 39 mg