Jello Pretzel Dessert

This Jello Pretzel Dessert combines a buttery pretzel crust with fluffy cream cheese filling and colorful strawberry, creamy white, and blueberry gelatin layers filled with fresh berries. It's a sweet, salty, and colorful make-ahead dessert for summer gatherings and patriotic holidays.

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Cooling and Chill Time, divided8

Total Time8 30

Servings: or 16 smaller servings

Calories: 233kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

Base

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

Creamy Filling

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

Red Layer

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

White Layer

2 pkt (.25 oz) unflavored gelatin
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water

Blue Layer

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

For serving

whipped cream
more blueberries or sliced strawberries
sprig of fresh mint

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pretzel Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Crush the pretzels using a resealable bag and rolling pin or meat mallet, or pulse them carefully in a food processor. Combine the crushed pretzels with the melted butter and sugar, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until evenly combined. Spread the mixture over the completely cooled pretzel crust, making sure it reaches every edge of the pan to create a complete seal. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until chilled and firm.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Layer

Dissolve the strawberry gelatin completely in the boiling water, then stir in the cold water. Refrigerate for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until the gelatin is cool and beginning to thicken but is still pourable. Check it frequently toward the end so it doesn't set completely.
Arrange the sliced strawberries over the chilled cream cheese layer, then carefully pour the partially thickened strawberry gelatin evenly over the berries. Refrigerate for 1½ to 2 hours, or until completely firm, before adding the next layer.

Step 4: Add the Creamy White Layer

Dissolve the unflavored gelatin completely in the boiling water. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, followed by the cold water. Let the mixture cool for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until no longer warm but still pourable. Carefully pour it over the completely firm red layer. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until completely set.

Step 5: Make the Blueberry Layer

Dissolve the blueberry gelatin completely in the boiling water, then stir in the cold water. Refrigerate for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until the gelatin is cool and beginning to thicken but is still pourable. Check it frequently toward the end so it doesn't set completely.
Carefully pour the partially thickened gelatin over the completely firm white layer, then add the fresh blueberries. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or until the blue layer and entire dessert are completely firm.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once all the layers are fully set, cut the dessert into squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the neatest layers. Serve chilled with whipped cream, additional strawberries and blueberries, and fresh mint, if desired.

Video

Notes

Use chilling times as a guide: Refrigerator temperatures and gelatin setting times vary, so use the listed times as estimates. Before pouring, gelatin should be cool and beginning to thicken but still pourable; before adding the next layer, the layer underneath should be completely firm. Go by the consistency of the gelatin rather than the clock.
Keep some pretzel texture: Crush the pretzels into small pieces rather than a fine powder for a crunchier crust.
Cool the crust completely: A warm crust can soften the cream cheese filling and make it harder to create clean layers.
Seal the crust: Spread the cream cheese filling completely to every edge of the pan. Gaps can allow liquid Jello to reach the pretzels and make the crust soggy.
Use fresh, dry berries: Pat the strawberries and blueberries dry before adding them to prevent excess moisture in the gelatin layers.

Nutrition