Strawberry Pretzel Dessert with Cream Cheese and Jello

Enjoy a sweet and salty combo that’s perfect for savoring the last days of summer. This layered dessert combines a crunchy pretzel crust with creamy and fruity textures that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

For the Pretzel Crust Layer:

• 210 grams (2 1/2 cups) pretzels, crushed
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) brown sugar
• 140 grams (10 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 226 grams (1 package) cream cheese, softened
• 150 grams (3/4 cup) sugar
• 226 grams (8 oz.) cool whip, thawed

For the Jello Layer:

• 170 grams (1, 6 oz. box) instant strawberry jello
• 475 ml (2 cups) boiling water

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 454 grams (1 lb.) fresh strawberries, sliced

Optional:

• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch deep dish with parchment paper, making sure it lies flat without overhanging edges. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
2. For the crust, blend the pretzels into a fine crumb using a blender or crush them in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with brown sugar and melted butter until well mixed.
3. Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of your prepared dish, creating a firm, even layer. Bake for 12 minutes, then set aside to cool.
4. For the cream cheese layer, use a mixer to beat the cream cheese until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually mix in the sugar, then gently fold in the thawed cool whip. Spread this mixture over the cooled pretzel layer and refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
5. Prepare the jello by stirring the jello powder into boiling water until fully dissolved. Set aside at room temperature to cool for about 1 hour.
6. As the jello cools, slice the strawberries and set aside.
7. Remove the dish from the fridge and arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. Gently pour the cooled jello over the strawberries, taking care not to disturb the layers.
8. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to ensure the jello sets completely.
9. Before serving, cut into squares and optionally top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream.

This Strawberry Pretzel Dessert is not just a treat to the eyes but also offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect dessert to bid farewell to summer and a crowd-pleaser for any BBQ or gathering. Enjoy!