Jello Pretzel Salad

Name: Jello Pretzel Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 265 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups pretzels (crushed); 3/4 cup butter (melted); 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 8 ounces whipped topping (thawed); 2 cups boiling water; 6 ounces strawberry jello; 2 1/2 cups frozen sliced strawberries

ByJennifer Osterholt UpdatedApril 5, 2023

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With a salty pretzel crust, a smooth creamy Cool Whip layer, and a bright fruit and jello topping, this Jello Pretzel Salad is a true classic.

Cross section showing salty and crunchy baked pretzel layer under a cool and creamy Cool Whip and cream cheese layer with a jello and fruit layer on top of a jello and pretzel salad recipe in a 9 x 13" dish.

If you like this recipe you may also enjoy our No-Bake Pineapple Pretzel Salad, Grape Salad or Ambrosia.

Pretzel Jello Salad Recipe

Rich cream cheese mixes with creamy whipped topping and sweet powdered sugar which is sandwiched between strawberry slices, jello and a crunchy pretzel layer. The sweet, salty and rich flavor combination is what makes this treat so delicious!

My family enjoys this colorful vintage dessert all throughout the year. It is often found at Christmas, Easter or a summer picnic. The combination of layers and flavors make a fun surprise and one of the more modern Jello salads.

Through testing, we have found that using smaller pieces of fruit like raspberries, pineapple tidbits, or slices of frozen strawberries instead of whole berries creates a more enjoyable eating experience.

Spatula lifting a creamy, crunchy, sweet and delicious piece of jello pretzel strawberry dessert out of a dish full.

A few other popular vintage Jello Salads are Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese, Orange Sherbet Jello Salad, and 7-Up Jello Salad.

Ingredients Needed:

Pretzels
Butter
Brown sugar
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Whipped topping
Strawberry Jello
Sliced frozen strawberries

Ingredients to make pretzel jello salad are Cool Whip, cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, pretzels, brown sugar, frozen strawberries and a large box of jello on a wooden counter top.

Recipe Notes For Success

I always open a new bag to ensure pretzels are fresh and have maximum crunch
Pretzel layer can be made ahead of time, but wait to add additional jello and cream cheese layers until within 24 hours of serving
Allow each of the bottom two layers to chill before adding an additional layer
Measure pretzels after crushing
Use frozen fruit, do not thaw before adding to boiling water
Additional whipped topping adds another decorative layer
Strawberry jello can be substituted for raspberry jello and frozen strawberries can be switched out for frozen raspberries for a fun twist

Step By Step Instructions

Preheat the oven, then crush pretzels using a food processor or in a bag with a rolling pin.

Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl, stir in brown sugar and then stir in pretzels. Press into a 9 x 13″ pan.

Partially crushed pretzels and brown sugar poured over melted butter in a 9 x 13 glass dish ready to stir and bake.

Baked pretzel crust cooling to layer on a jello salad on top.

Bake for about 5 minutes to seal the pretzel layer together. Allow to cool.

Next beat softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Then mix in powdered sugar.

Fold in defrosted whipped topping. Over beating can flatten the whipped topping.

Mixed up cream cheese, powdered sugar and whipped toppping

Then drop by spoonfuls onto cooled pretzel layer. Take care to gently spread out creamy layer to avoid disturbing the pretzels.

How to spread cream cheese layer on pretzel jello salad

Sweet cream cheese and Cool Whip layer of a pretzel salad

I like to chill this layer and stiffen it up before adding dissolved jello. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour.

Dissolve jello in boiling water and whisk to mix well. Stir in frozen strawberry slices and mix until the pieces are all separated. Refrigerate to allow the jello to partially (but not fully) set up before pouring over the cream cheese layer.

Pouring a hot mixture over the dairy and Cool Whip layer will make those items melt.

Overhead view of sliced strawberries set in red jello on top of a pretzel salad in a glass dish on a red and white plaid napkin.

Cover and refrigerate until firm.

Serve and enjoy as soon as possible. This dish is best when enjoyed within 24 – 28 hours.

Tips For Using Fresh Strawberries

Slice and stir fresh strawberries into water after gelatin has dissolved. Chill mixture for about 10 – 20 minutes to cool off, but not set-up before pouring over the cream cheese layer.

Prep Ahead Notes

For the best pretzel and jello dessert prepare the pretzel layer the night before. Defrost the whipping topping and have strawberries measured out, but still frozen. Chill the bas layers before adding partially set-up jello and fruit layer. Chill to finish setting up.

If the entire dessert needs to be prepared and assembled ahead of time know that the pretzel layer gradually softens over time.

Piece of old fashioned strawberry pretzel salad on a white plate by the pan full

More Delicious Desserts in a 9 x 13 Pan

Oreo Dirt Cake has layers of crushed Oreos, cream cheese and vanilla pudding. This can be served in a bucket with a shovel to look like dirt pudding.
Chocolate Delight and Butterscotch Delight are classic pudding and cream cheese layer desserts with a simple crust.
Easy Pumpkin Carrot Cake only takes three simple ingredients to create a moist and super easy cake from a cake mix.

Recipe originally shared on December 23, 2021 with updates made on December 15, 2025.

Categories:

Desserts, Jello Salad, Recipes,

Jennifer Osterholt

I share how to make life easier while raising a busy family! From delicious desserts to easy dinners and simple breakfast recipes. I’m here to make your time in the kitchen more efficient while building confidence!