This Jello pretzel dessert is a throwback to childhood dessert memories that many of us have. This Jello pretzel dessert recipe is a new twist on the classic with strawberry or raspberry jello, a cream cheese layer and pretzel crust.

This strawberry pretzel dessert recipe, or raspberry, is super easy and so tasty. Just wait until you try it!

It’s the perfect twist for celebrating July 4th or truth be told, any holiday or excuse will do and it doesn’t matter what you want to call it—just make it and enjoy every bite! In any flavors or fruits you desire. Now how cool is that?

I have a thing for jello desserts that likely started with my grandma. She used to make us so many recipes with jello and this is one of them. She always used the pretzel base, cream cheese mixture, and then whichever flavor jello she had or was in the mood to make.

Sometimes we ate it with orange jello and mandarin oranges. Sometimes she used whatever flavor or flavors she had and she would add canned and drained fruit cocktails. Raspberries or pears in raspberry jello.

She used canned fruit mostly in the winter and fresh in the summer. Luckily she had a massive garden and practically grew everything. We were always in for a treat!

Eventually, she started adding a little 7Up or Sprite to the water for a change. Then she used milk and we thought she was the best grandma ever.

The first time we saw the lighter color of the jello when she added a little milk, and later when she exchanged all of the water for milk we thought it was like magic.

I kid you not. I remember having clear glass cups or mugs filled with layers of jello. Sometimes fruit and sometimes not. They were so cute and looked so pretty I remember not wanting to eat them but then I couldn’t resist.

I ate it all. Sometimes one layer at a time. Just for fun.

And this is why I love this simple strawberry cream cheese pretzel dessert. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it’s near and dear to my heart. It also contains an extra blueberry layer making this an amazing option for any red, white, and blue celebration.

You also can’t forget about the pretzel base because that’s part of what makes this pretzel crust dessert so special.

If red, white and blue aren’t what you’re looking for, by all means, use different flavored gelatin or jello, with different or the same fruit, and this strawberry pretzel dessert will satisfy every time.

I believe you’re going to love this pretzel dessert recipe as much as we do. Just you wait and see.

How We Got to Jello Pretzel Dessert

This delicious strawberry pretzel dessert recipe is a classic dessert for so many of us. It’s a variation of the classic icebox cake with a Jello twist. So without icebox cakes or Jello, I’d never have been able to make this new twist on an old favorite.

Let’s take a look at where the two biggest parts of this recipe come from. Because without them, we wouldn’t have any Jello pretzel dessert.

History of Icebox Cake

The icebox cake is a layered dessert usually made with layers of cream, wafers, and various other sweet ingredients and then put in the refrigerator to set.

Icebox cake is a variation of desserts like the charlotte and the trifle that was introduced in the 1930s as a more accessible version of the two desserts. It was also one of the prime selling points for promoting the icebox as a staple appliance for the modern kitchen.

Throughout the 30s the popularity of icebox cake skyrocketed because its use of commercial shortcuts and pre-made ingredients made it incredibly easy to make.

This soaring popularity prompted many companies that made ingredients like condensed milk and wafer cookies to begin printing various icebox cake recipes on the back of their boxes.

Over the years, there have been a few variations on the icebox cake, but the one that most of us know and make today is composed of a series of layers using some sort of wafer, pudding, and whipped cream.

History of Jello

Gelatin, the base of Jello that gives its wiggly, jiggly texture is a protein produced from collagen that’s extracted from boiled bones, connective tissues, and other animal products. It’s been part of prepared foods, especially desserts, since about the 15th century.

For many years, gelatin-based foods were relegated to royalty or the wealthy because it was difficult to use. It was sold in sheets and had to be purified before consumption.

This was a time-consuming and expensive process, making it an ingredient that only those with money to spare could afford.

However, in 1845, industrialist, Peter Cooper, filed a patent for powdered gelatin that was easier to manufacture and far easier to use in cooking.

Later, in 1897, carpenter and syrup manufacturer Pearle Bixby Wait trademarked a gelatin dessert that he called Jell-O which was made of strawberry, raspberry, orange, or lemon flavoring added to gelatin and sugar.

Jell-O gained popularity almost immediately. After all, so many people had never been able to use any sort of gelatin before. What was once only for the wealthy was available to all.

Fast forward to today, and you can find Jello and other varieties of flavored gelatin mixes in every grocery store in North America and in many around the globe.

This jello pretzel dessert has become a household name and the base for many desserts, including this Strawberry Pretzel Jello Dessert with Fresh Strawberries.

Ingredients for Strawberry Pretzel Jello Dessert with Fresh Strawberries

The ingredients are super simple for this simple strawberry pretzel dessert recipe. There are multiple layers so plan accordingly. You’ll only need a few ingredients to create this pretzel crust dessert recipe, and if they’re not already in your kitchen, they’re readily available at your local grocery store.

Base or Crust

pretzels
butter
sugar

Filling

cream cheese
sugar
frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

Topping Layer 1

strawberry Jello or gelatin (Raspberry Jello and fresh raspberries will work in a pinch)
boiling water
cold water
fresh strawberries

Topping Layer 2

blueberry Jello or gelatin
boiling water
cold water
fresh blueberries

For serving

whipped cream, homemade from whipping heavy cream or store bought
more blueberries or sliced strawberries
sprig of fresh mint

How to make Old Fashioned Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

There aren’t a ton of steps to this strawberry pretzel salad recipe but there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. You’re going to love this recipe.

Crushing the pretzels

The easiest way to crush the pretzels for the crust is to add to a sealable bag and smash with a rolling pin. If you have kids, they can have so much fun trying to break the pretzels as well.

Then simply preheat the oven to 350, add melted butter and bake. Let the crust cool completely before adding the next layer. You’re going to LOVE making this pretzel crust dessert.

Adding to the baking dish

You can use a 13 x 9-inch pan if you want but my favorite is this 8 x 8 inch square, clear, baking dish. I just Love the handles and it’s reasonably priced. This one is not square but will work well too. Both are definitely deep enough to make this amazing dessert.

Before you buy, check around your home. I am sure you have something in your home that will definitely work.

Bottom line is to be careful while pouring the jello into whichever baking dish you use.

Make certain to let chill before serving

This strawberry pretzel dessert recipe needs to be cold to eat! It just adds a ton of great flavor and taste. This jello mixture must be served cold.

Use fresh strawberries if possible

Okay, this might be just me but fresh strawberries from the garden take this flavor over the top. A strawberry top is perfect for serving.

Make a raspberry pretzel dessert instead

If strawberries aren’t available consider using fresh raspberries and making a raspberry pretzel salad instead! Your raspberry pretzel dessert or jello salad will still taste great!

Use fresh blueberries, too

Same story, different fruit. The fresher the berries, the better. Frozen raspberries, blueberries and strawberries will come with a lot of water so be careful to remove as much as possible if frozen fruit is what you’re using.

Tips for Making Strawberry Pretzel Crust Dessert

You know I love handing out tips to make things easier, right? From the millions of times I’ve made this strawberry pretzel jello dessert, here are a few things that I’ve found out truly do matter.

Be certain that the added gelatin dissolves all the way. Don’t skimp on this. Just don’t. You’ll end up with chunks and a less than stellar texture.
Don’t use frozen fruit for this recipe. The frozen fruit is going to drain excess liquid into the fruit and make it an unpleasant experience overall. In my experience. You may have different results.

Substitution ideas for making this Strawberry Dessert with a Pretzel Crust

Don’t get me wrong, this strawberry pretzel jello dessert totally rocks as it stands but you can easily make a few simple changes to make it taste different.

You can also use different flavored jello and pair up the same fruit as well. For example, I’m going to use raspberry jello and raspberries from my garden, once they’re ripe and ready! Really, anything goes with this strawberry cream cheese pretzel dessert.

How to store leftover Pretzel and Strawberry Dessert

You’re going to want to keep any leftovers in the fridge as this strawberry cream cheese pretzel dessert has to stay cold. The easiest way to do this is to just pop a lid on the baking dish that you made it in.

If it doesn’t have a lid, you can cover it with aluminum foil as well.

Can you freeze this strawberry dessert?

I’m sure you probably could but I wouldn’t recommend it. With the pretzels and the cream cheese and fresh fruit, there’s a big chance that it’ll get soggy and might possibly have a weird texture when you unthaw it.

Fun Ways to Share This Classic Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

To me, this dessert needs to be shared all the time. I eat this during the summer the most because of fresh strawberries from the garden but you can always buy your strawberries at the store and make them any time of the year.

I love making this treat and taking it to family gatherings and outdoor BBQs. It’s especially popular during the 4th of July as it’s a nice and cool treat to enjoy during a particularly hot time of the year.

This is also a great recipe to make up for family and friends as a fun treat and surprise for them. Who doesn’t love having a dessert just dropped off at their door?

No matter how you decide to share, just share it with those that you love. Bonding over strawberry cream cheese pretzel desserts is always a great idea!

Try This Jello Pretzel Dessert for Yourself

This Pretzel icebox cake is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make. Filled with fruity flavors, creamy sweet filling, and of course that jiggly texture we all love about Jello, this Jello pretzel dessert is also one of the tastiest recipes you’ll ever make!

Give this strawberry cream cheese pretzel dessert recipe a try, and I’m sure you and your family will agree that it’s a winner.

More Delicious Strawberry Recipes

Jello Pretzel Dessert Recipe Video

Jello Pretzel Dessert

This Jello pretzel dessert recipe is a new twist on the classic with strawberry or raspberry jello, a cream cheese layer and pretzel crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

13 x 9 inch pan or an 8x8 inch pan that is at least 3 inches deep

Ingredients

Base

2 cups pretzels, crushed
¾ cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar

Filling

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 carton (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Topping Layer 1

2 pkgs (3 oz) strawberry or red gelatin
2 cups boiling water
½ cup cold water
fresh strawberries

Topping Layer 2

2 pkgs (3 oz) blueberry or blue gelatin
2 cups boiling water
½ cup cold water
fresh blueberries

For serving

whipped cream
more blueberries or sliced strawberries
sprig of fresh mint

Instructions

Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
You can use a 13 x 9-inch pan if you want but my favorite is this 8 x 8 inch pyrex square, clear, baking dish. I just Love the handles and it's reasonably priced. This one is not square but will work well too. Both are definitely deep enough to make this amazing dessert.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Using a resealable bag and a meat mallet or rolling pin, crush your pretzels as best you can.
Add crushed pretzels to medium mixing bowl with melted butter and sugar.
Stir until combined.
Press crumb mixture onto bottom of an ungreased, deep (2 ½ to 3 inches) and 9 x 9 inch baking dish. You can use a 13 x 9 inch pan but I find the dessert too thin to support the berries properly so I always use the dish in the video. I am sure you have something in your home that will definitely work.
My close friend Julie uses a 13 x 9 and doubles the entire recipe. Works for her every time and she loves it. This dessert can easily feed and satisfy a crowd.
Make base as even as possible.
Bake for 10 minutes and allow to completely cool before adding the next layer.
Filling can be made while the crust bakes and cools.
In a good sized mixing bowl add sugar and cream cheese.
Beat until smooth.
Gently fold in whipped topping.
Until incorporated.
Spread cream cheese mixture over your cool crust. As evenly as possible.
Cover and refrigerate until set and cool.
Next, place sliced strawberries on top of cream cheese mixture. As many as you can fit or desire.
Using a small bowl, dissolve strawberry or red gelatin in boiling water. Once dissolved, add cold water and stir.
Refrigerate until somewhat set, about 30 minutes, and pour over strawberries.
Refrigerate again until firm.
Using another small bowl, dissolve blueberry gelatin in boiling water and once dissolved, add cold water and stir until blended.
Again, refrigerate until partially set and pour over top of strawberry jello layer.
Add blueberries to blueberry jello and refrigerate again until entire dish is firm, about 5 or 6 hours, if not overnight.
Serve with whipped cream, fresh blueberries and fresh sliced strawberries and maybe a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy every bite!