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To make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups, you need some key ingredients. Here’s the full list: - 1 cup finely crushed pretzels - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted - 1 cup whipped topping - 1 package (6 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin powder - 2 cups boiling water - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup cold water Each ingredient plays a special role in this dessert. The pretzels create a salty and crunchy crust. Sugar adds sweetness and helps bind. Butter gives richness and flavor. Cream cheese brings a smooth, creamy layer. Powdered sugar sweetens that layer perfectly. Whipped topping adds lightness and volume. The gelatin helps the dessert set, while fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and a burst of flavor. Gather these ingredients before starting. It makes the cooking process much easier. Plus, they are all easy to find at any grocery store. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of finely crushed pretzels, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. - Press this mixture firmly into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely. - In a large bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. - Next, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until light and fluffy. - Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. - In another bowl, dissolve 1 package (6 oz) of strawberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. - Mix well until it is clear. Then, add 1/2 cup of cold water. - Carefully fold in 2 cups of sliced strawberries until they are well mixed. - Pour this strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. - Place the dessert in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. - Once set, cut into serving sizes. Transfer each piece into dessert cups for easy serving. - For a fun touch, top each cup with a fresh strawberry and a dollop of whipped topping. To make the best pretzel crust, crush the pretzels finely. This helps create a solid base. If the pieces are too big, they won't stick well. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. This step ensures even baking. Bake it for ten minutes at 350°F. This gives it a nice golden color. To avoid lumps, beat the cream cheese well. Make sure it is at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly with the powdered sugar. When mixing, use a gentle folding technique. This keeps the whipped topping fluffy. Fold until fully blended, but don't overmix. You want to keep the light texture. For the best texture, chill your dessert for at least four hours. This allows the gelatin to set properly. If you want thinner layers, use a larger baking dish. This helps the dessert cool evenly. Remember, patience is key for the best results! Pro Tips Perfect Pretzel Crust: Ensure your pretzels are finely crushed for a uniform crust. This will help it hold together better and provide a nice texture. Softening Cream Cheese: For a smooth cream cheese mixture, make sure to let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. Gelatin Setting Time: Allow the strawberry gelatin to set completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to achieve the best texture and flavor. Serving Suggestions: For a more elegant presentation, consider using clear dessert cups to showcase the layers and adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish. {{image_4}} You can switch out strawberries for other berries. Blueberries and raspberries work well. They add a fresh twist. You can also use seasonal fruits like peaches or mangoes. These fruits bring unique flavors and colors to your cups. If you need a gluten-free dessert, use gluten-free pretzels. You can find many brands that taste great. Make sure to check labels for safe ingredients. You can also adjust the cream cheese layer. Use gluten-free whipped toppings for a complete dish. Want to boost the taste? Add a splash of vanilla extract. This small change makes a big difference. You can also add citrus zest, like lemon or lime. It brightens the dessert and adds a zing. Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor. To keep your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. A glass or plastic container works well. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the cups to avoid sticking. Can you freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups? Yes, you can freeze them. However, I suggest freezing only the pretzel crust. The cream cheese layer and gelatin do not freeze well. To properly freeze, wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. When ready to serve, move them to the fridge overnight to thaw. Enjoy the best flavor by not refreezing them. It takes at least 4 hours for the Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups to set. The gelatin needs this time to firm up properly. I recommend checking after 4 hours. If it feels soft, let it chill longer. A well-set dessert holds its shape when served. Yes, you can use fresh strawberries. I prefer fresh strawberries for their taste and texture. Just make sure to hull and slice them before adding to your gelatin mixture. Fresh berries add a nice crunch and vibrant flavor to the dessert. You can use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping. To do this, beat heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form. This gives a rich flavor and creamy texture. You can also try Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but it will change the taste slightly. You can make these cups a day ahead. Just prepare the layers and let them chill overnight. This also helps the flavors blend well. If you're short on time, you can prepare the pretzel crust and cream cheese layer in advance. Then, add the gelatin and strawberries on the day you serve. Absolutely! Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups are perfect for parties. They are fun, colorful, and easy to serve. Plus, they appeal to both kids and adults. You can make a big batch and impress your guests with this tasty treat. This article covered how to make tasty Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups. You learned about the key ingredients like pretzels, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. I shared step-by-step instructions for each layer, plus tips to perfect your crust and filling. You also found variations and storage advice to keep it fresh. Try this fun dessert at your next gathering. It’s simple and delightful!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups

A delightful dessert combining a crunchy pretzel crust with a creamy cheese layer and fresh strawberries in gelatin.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup finely crushed pretzels
  • 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 half cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
  • 1 package (6 oz) strawberry-flavored gelatin powder
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 half cup cold water

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the finely crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir well until the pretzels are fully coated with the butter and sugar mixture.
  • Firmly press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish to create a solid crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
  • Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, incorporating it until fully blended and light. Evenly spread this cream cheese layer over the cooled pretzel crust.
  • In another mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in the 2 cups of boiling water, stirring continuously until fully dissolved and translucent.
  • Once dissolved, mix in the 1/2 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture. Carefully fold in the sliced strawberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring the strawberries are well-distributed across the top.
  • Place the entire dish into the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set and firm.
  • Once the dessert has set, use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut it into individual servings. Transfer each portion into dessert cups for easy serving.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, garnish each cup with a fresh strawberry on top and a dollop of additional whipped topping. Serve chilled to enhance the refreshing flavors!
Keyword dessert, pretzel, salad, strawberry