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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups

easy no bake strawberry pretzel salad cups - featured image
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A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and a sweet strawberry gelatin topping. Perfect for summer gatherings and last-minute parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping (cool whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin, prepared with slightly less water for a firmer set
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries, thawed and drained

Instructions

  1. Crush 2 cups of pretzels until finely ground but not powdery. Mix with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until evenly moistened (about 5 minutes).
  2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pretzel mixture into each serving cup. Press down firmly to create an even base, compact but not too hard. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy (3-4 minutes with an electric mixer). Gently fold in 1 cup whipped topping until fully combined.
  4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel crust in each cup. Smooth the tops carefully with a spoon or spatula.
  5. Dissolve 1 package of strawberry gelatin in about 1 1/2 cups water (slightly less than package directions) to make it firmer. Stir in 1 1/2 cups thawed and drained frozen strawberries. Let cool to room temperature but not set (about 10 minutes).
  6. Spoon the gelatin and strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer evenly.
  7. Refrigerate the cups for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, until the gelatin sets completely.
  8. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint if desired and serve chilled.

Notes

The cream cheese layer acts as a moisture barrier to keep the pretzel crust crunchy. Use slightly less water than directed for the gelatin to ensure a firmer set. Press the pretzel crust gently but firmly to avoid a dense base. Prepare crust and cream layers a day ahead to save time. Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry pretzel salad, summer dessert, easy dessert, pretzel crust, cream cheese dessert, gelatin dessert

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-pretzel-salad-cups-recipe-for-perfect-summer-dessert/