Description
Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic with these Strawberry Pretzel Salad Jars. This recipe layers a salty pretzel crust, a creamy cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry Jell-O topping with fresh berries, all perfectly portioned in individual jars for easy serving at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pretzel Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- For the Strawberry Jell-O Layer:
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the pretzel crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of your serving jars, creating an even layer.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until just combined.
- Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the pretzel crust in each jar.
- Prepare the strawberry Jell-O: In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in the boiling water. Stir in the cold water.
- Let the gelatin mixture cool slightly at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, until it begins to thicken but is not yet fully set.
- Gently stir in the sliced strawberries.
- Carefully spoon the strawberry Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer in each jar.
- Chill the jars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the Jell-O is completely set.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of pretzel crumbs to your preference for a thicker or thinner crust.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not let the Jell-O set completely before adding the strawberries; this helps them distribute evenly.
- For a quicker set, you can place the jars in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes after adding the Jell-O layer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories (will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes)
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
- Sodium: Approximately 200-300mg
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-45g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
- Protein: Approximately 4-6g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 50-70mg