I'm letting you in on my party secret, my tried and true strawberry pretzel salad recipe! This make-ahead dessert is the perfect combination of sweet and salty, and when you follow my easy steps below you'll have an irresistible buttery pretzel crust.
Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press this mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Filling
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
8 oz (226g) package cream cheese, 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Gently fold in the cool whip, using a spatula until well combined.
8 oz (226g) cool whip
Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust, ensuring that it reaches the edges of the pan to prevent the strawberry topping from seeping into the crust. Cover the pan and place it in the refrigerator for one hour.
Topping
Slice fresh strawberries and measure out 4 cups.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the jello and boiling water until the jello completely dissolves.
6 oz strawberry Jell-O, 2 cups (473ml) boiling water
Add the sliced strawberries to the mixture and combine. Spoon the jello mixture directly onto the filling and spread it evenly to create a smooth layer. Pour the remaining jello liquid over the strawberries.
4 cups fresh strawberries
Cover the pan again and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours.