Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe – For Two

Now that summer is here it is time to bring out my favorite cool and refreshing dessert recipe, Strawberry Pretzel Salad. However, instead of making a large portion dessert to serve a crowd, this popular recipe has been scaled down so that it becomes the perfect recipe for two.

The sweet and salty flavors blend together perfectly for a satisfying dessert, especially on a hot summer day. And it all starts with the bottom layer that is made from crushed pretzels.

This crispy and salty pretzel crust is then topped with a sweet cream filling. Then the top layer consists of sliced strawberries that are held together in a single layer with strawberry gelatin.

Add a dollop of whipped topping and a pretzel twist for a beautifully presented dessert. Although it tastes amazing, the best part about this recipe is that it takes little hands on time to make.

However, you will need to have a little patience with this recipe. During the preparation process, there is some wait time for this delicious dessert to come together.

First, you need to allow time for the butter and cream cheese to soften. Then you must wait for both the cream filling and gelatin to firm up a bit.

Although, the hardest part is to wait 3 hours before you can dive in and take a bite. However, once you do take that first taste, you know that the time waiting was well worth it!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad For Two

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup crushed Pretzels
• 2 tablespoons unsalted Butter, softened
• 2 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 3/4 cup Whipped topping
• 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons Strawberry Gelatin
• 1/2 cup boiling Water
• 1 cup sliced fresh Strawberries*
• Optional: Whipped topping and pretzel twists

*If you have extra strawberries you can make Strawberry Cobbler or use the strawberries as an ingredient in Fruit Salad.

More About Some Of The Ingredients

1. Pretzels

You can use pretzel twists or pretzel sticks to make the crust. You can even choose to use gluten-free pretzels to make this a gluten free dessert recipe for two.

However, I would suggest steering away from flavored pretzels. This also includes butter flavored pretzels. Instead, stick to traditional pretzels for this strawberry pretzel salad recipe.

2. Cream Cheese

Any variety of a block of cream cheese will work in this recipe. I typically use the 1/3rd less fat, but you can also use the traditional cream cheese or even the fat free variety.

I have tried using the store brand cream cheese and the results turn out perfect every time. However, do not use whipped cream cheese that is popular to spread on bagels as the filling won’t set up properly.

3. Whipped Topping

For the cream filling, you will need thawed whipped topping. Although it is a brand name, it is most often referred to as Cool Whip.

Again, you can use the full fat, reduced fat, or fat free variety of whipped topping. And yes, you can purchase and use the generic brand. The choice is up to you.

4. Strawberry Gelatin

You will not need an entire box of gelatin. Therefore, if you can purchase bulk strawberry gelatin, it would be ideal.

However, not everyone has a country store where you can purchase items in bulk. Instead, purchase the small box, and use the remaining powder to make strawberry Jell-O.

Although I use standard gelatin to make my Strawberry Pretzel Dessert recipe, you can use the sugar-free version if you prefer.

Now that most of your initial questions have been answered, let’s get to the specific instructions on how to make this dessert recipe for two.

INSTRUCTIONS

Before you begin making this Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe, be sure that both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature and soft. It will take about 45 minutes for the cream cheese to be soft after it has been removed from the refrigerator.

When you are ready to begin, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up make the pretzel crust layer.

Start by crushing the pretzels into small bits. Do this by placing pretzels in a resealable plastic bag and smash them into pieces using a rolling pin or flat meat mallet.

Then measure out the desired amount and place them in a medium size bowl. Place the softened butter in the bowl with the pretzels and mix until they are well combined

Bake The Crust

Now that you have the ingredients for your crust ready, spray the bottom of two 10 ounce custard cups or a small oven safe baking dish with non-stick spray. Then place the pretzel mixture in the bottom of the bowls.

Place the baking dishes in a preheated oven for 6-8 minutes or until the pretzel crust is set. Remove the dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool.

Make The Cream Filling

In another small bowl, add the soft cream cheese and sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Don’t stop mixing when you no longer see sugar crystals. Instead, mix for 3-4 minutes so that the cream cheese becomes light and airy.

Next, fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Spoon the Strawberry Pretzel Salad cream filling over the cool pretzel crust.

Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let the mixture cool for 30 minutes. Now it is time to prepare the strawberry gelatin topping.

Strawberry Gelatin Mixture

Bring a small pot of water to a bowl. Then place the gelatin in a small bowl and mix with the boiling water until it completely dissolves.

Cover and refrigerate the gelatin for 20 minutes or until slightly thickened. While the strawberry gelatin is in the refrigerator, slice the strawberries using a sharp knife or strawberry slicer.

Then when the gelatin has begun to firm up, add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the gelatin. Carefully spoon the strawberry gelatin mixture over the chilled cream filling.

Cover and refrigerate the Strawberry Pretzel Salad for at least 3 hours. Before serving, top with whipped topping and a pretzel twist if desired.

Enjoy! Mary

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