Valentine Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Bars

This is my mom’s favorite dessert but she always called it strawberry pretzel salad.

Which is funny to me because it’s not served like most dessert salads.

This one’s baked, chilled, and sliced instead of scooped.

We had it at family dinners, holidays, and random get-togethers when she needed something easy.

The salty pretzel crust and strawberry topping are what people always remember.

I call them bars because that’s how I cut them.

It just makes more sense when you’re serving it that way.

My mom still calls it salad, and I’m not arguing with her!

Before you see the recipe, here’s an easy strawberry shortcake if you want too! All of these desserts are delicious!

What You Need to Make Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Bars

Pretzels – These give the crust that salty crunch that makes the whole dessert work.
Butter – Melted butter holds the pretzel crust together and adds rich flavor.
Sugar – A little sweetness balances out the saltiness of the pretzels.
Cream cheese – This makes the middle layer creamy and smooth.
Whipped topping – Lightens up the cream cheese layer so it’s fluffy instead of heavy.
Strawberry gelatin – Adds that classic strawberry flavor and helps everything set.
Fresh strawberries – Sliced strawberries give the top layer a fresh, juicy bite.
Water – Used to dissolve the gelatin so it sets up properly.

Crush the pretzels and mix them with melted butter and sugar until everything’s coated.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish so it holds together once baked.

Use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down.

Bake the crust until it’s set and lightly golden, then pull it out of the oven.

Let it cool completely before adding the next layer so nothing melts.

This part takes patience, but it’s worth it!

Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the sugar until there are no lumps.

Fold in the whipped topping gently so the mixture stays light and fluffy.

Spread it evenly over the cooled crust, sealing all the edges.

Stir the strawberry gelatin into boiling water until it’s fully dissolved.

Let it cool to room temperature, then mix in the sliced strawberries.

If the gelatin is too warm, it can mess with the creamy layer underneath.

Slowly pour the strawberry mixture over the cream layer, taking your time so it spreads evenly.

Refrigerate until fully set, which usually takes a few hours.

Chilling overnight makes slicing a lot cleaner.

These strawberry pretzel dessert bars are a classic sweet and salty treat with a fun Valentine twist.

This dessert works well for parties, potlucks, or a simple make-ahead treat.

Ingredients

Steps

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar in a bowl, then press firmly into a greased 9×13 pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until smooth, then fold in the whipped topping. Spread evenly over the cooled crust, sealing the edges.
Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in the sliced strawberries.
Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the cream layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set, before cutting into bars.