Strawberry Pretzel Salad in a Jar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Pretzel Salad in a Jar is a fun and portable twist on the classic dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. With layers of crunchy pretzels, a smooth cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberry topping, this jarred version offers all the deliciousness of the traditional salad in a more convenient and individually-served format. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep, these jars make it easy to enjoy this dessert on-the-go, while keeping the layers beautifully intact.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups crushed pretzels

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the cream cheese layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

For the strawberry layer:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1 package (6 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)

• 1 1/2 cups boiling water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Divide the mixture evenly between the jars, pressing the crust into the bottom of each jar to form a solid base. Refrigerate the jars while you prepare the next layers.

2. Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Assemble the layers: Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the pretzel crust in each jar, spreading it evenly over the pretzels. Return the jars to the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes.

4. Prepare the strawberry layer: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow it to cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, add the sliced strawberries to the gelatin mixture, stirring gently to combine.

5. Finish the jars: Carefully spoon the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer in each jar, filling each jar to the top. Refrigerate the jars for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin has fully set.

6. Serve and enjoy: Once the strawberry pretzel salad in a jar has set, it’s ready to serve! Garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices or whipped cream if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 jars

• Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Setting time: 4 hours (or overnight)

• Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes (or overnight)

Variations

• Other fruit options: You can substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries for a different flavor profile.

• Crust variations: If you’re not a fan of pretzels, you can use graham cracker crumbs or even crushed cookies as a base for a different texture.

• Vegan version: Use dairy-free whipped topping and vegan cream cheese for a plant-based version of this dessert.

• Sugar-free option: Use sugar-free gelatin and a sugar substitute in place of the powdered sugar to make a lighter version of this dessert.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for a couple of days if properly sealed.

• Freezing: This dessert is not ideal for freezing due to the gelatin layer, which may change texture when thawed.

• Reheating: This dessert is meant to be served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream. Just make sure to whip it to stiff peaks and fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the texture.

2. Can I make this dessert without jars?

Absolutely! You can layer this dessert in a large glass trifle dish or any other container of your choice.

3. How far in advance can I make this dessert?

You can make this dessert up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated to ensure the layers set properly.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the gelatin mixture.

5. How long does the gelatin take to set?

The gelatin usually takes about 4 hours to set in the refrigerator, but you can also prepare this dessert overnight to ensure it’s fully chilled and set.

6. Can I use a different type of gelatin?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of gelatin, such as raspberry, cherry, or even lime, to give the dessert a unique twist.

7. Can I add more layers to the dessert?

Yes, you can add other layers, such as a layer of fresh fruit or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup, to create your own customized version of the dessert.

8. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, the pretzel crust can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pretzels or a gluten-free cookie alternative for the base.

9. How can I make the dessert less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese layer and use a sugar-free gelatin mix.

10. Can I use a different type of topping?

Yes, if you don’t want to use whipped topping, you can substitute it with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even mascarpone cheese for a richer taste.

Conclusion

Strawberry Pretzel Salad in a Jar is a delightful and portable dessert that combines the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and fruity layers. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion, from family gatherings to picnics or even just as a fun way to enjoy a classic dessert. The individual jars make serving easy and convenient, and the vibrant strawberry topping adds the perfect finishing touch. With endless possibilities for customization, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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