Description
Your go-to summer classic just got a patriotic upgrade! 🧨 This no-bake strawberry pretzel salad features a buttery golden crust, fluffy cream cheese layer, and sweet strawberry Jello topping—decorated like the American flag with sliced strawberries, piped whipped cream, and a burst of blueberries. It’s the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat for your next 4th of July party or Memorial Day celebration.
Ingredients
Pretzel Crust:
• 2½ cups coarsely crushed pretzels
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup melted butter
Cream Cheese Layer:
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 16 oz whipped topping (Tru Whip or Cool Whip)
Jello Layer:
• 6 oz instant strawberry Jello
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 quart strawberries, sliced
Flag Decorations:
• ½ cup blueberries
• Extra whipped topping for piping stripes
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Crust :
- In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely before continuing.
2️⃣ Make the Cream Layer :
- Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Spread the cream mixture evenly over the cooled crust, ensuring you seal it to the edges to prevent the gelatin from leaking through. Chill while preparing the next layer.
3️⃣ Prepare the Jello Topping :
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved and clear.
- Stir in sliced fresh strawberries, then let the mixture cool slightly (not set) before pouring.
4️⃣ Assemble the Flag Design :
- Carefully pour the slightly cooled strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream layer.
- Use sliced strawberries to form red stripes across the surface.
- Pipe whipped topping between strawberry rows to create white stripes.
- Fill the upper-left corner with fresh blueberries to represent the stars section of the flag.
5️⃣ Chill and Serve :
- Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 4 hours or overnight, until fully set.
Just before serving, slice and plate. Garnish with extra berries if desired, and serve chilled with a festive presentation.
Notes
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Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert is best when made the night before. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the Jello fully set and the layers firm up.
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Use Fresh Fruit: Always use fresh strawberries and blueberries for the flag design—frozen berries may bleed color and affect texture.
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Seal the Edges: When spreading the cream cheese layer, be sure to seal it completely to the edges of the crust. This prevents the Jello from leaking into the bottom.
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Serving Tip: For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in warm water and wipe between cuts.
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Diet Swaps:
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Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free pretzels.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute with plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped topping.
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Lower Sugar: Try sugar-free Jello and reduced sugar in the cream layer.
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Don’t Skip Baking the Crust: Though it’s a no-bake dessert overall, baking the pretzel crust for 10 minutes helps set it and prevents sogginess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/12 of 9x13-inch pan)
- Calories: ~310 kcal
- Sugar: ~23 g
- Sodium: ~290 mg
- Fat: ~18 g
- Saturated Fat: ~10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6 g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5 g (depends on whipped topping used)
- Carbohydrates: ~35 g
- Fiber: ~1.5 g
- Protein: ~3 g
- Cholesterol: ~25 mg
Keywords: Patriotic Desserts, Fourth of July Recipes, Summer BBQ Treats, No-Bake Party Desserts, American Flag Food Ideas, Berry-Themed Sweets, Cream Cheese Layered Desserts, Make-Ahead Potluck Dishes, Easy Crowd Pleasers, Holiday Food Decor