Cozy Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe

My Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe perfectly balances these flavors for a dessert that always disappears quickly at family gatherings.

The vibrant red topping makes it a showstopper on any table, while the crunchy base adds a texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. I find myself making this whenever I need a reliable dish that feels special without requiring hours of complicated work.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe

This dessert hits every texture note you could want, from the crisp pretzel base to the fluffy cream cheese layer. It creates a delightful contrast that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to put together.

You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for busy holidays or summer potlucks. The layers actually set up better when given plenty of time to chill in the fridge.

It is versatile enough to serve as a festive side dish for dinner or a dedicated dessert course after the meal. The balance of salty and sweet means it never feels too heavy or overpowering.

If you are looking for more fruit-forward treats, my Zesty White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe is a fantastic choice to bake next. For another salty-sweet combination that I adore, you should definitely check out the Quick Salted Caramel Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Recipe.

Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Crushed pretzels: These provide the essential salty crunch that forms the sturdy base of the tart.
• Butter: You will melt this to bind the crust together and add a rich, savory flavor.
• Sugar: A small amount goes into the crust and the filling to balance the saltiness and acidity.
• Whipped topping: This stabilizes the creamy layer and keeps it light and airy.
• Cream cheese: Make sure this is softened to room temperature so it blends perfectly without lumps.
• Strawberry gelatin: This acts as the binder for the fruit layer and gives the tart its brilliant color.
• Boiling water: You need this to completely dissolve the gelatin powder before adding the fruit.
• Frozen sweetened sliced strawberries: These cool down the gelatin quickly and add varying textures to the topping.

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe

My Method for Perfect Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe, let’s get cooking!

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it is ready for the crust. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and the first measure of sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish to form a solid base. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it and place it on a wire rack to cool completely; this step is absolutely vital because adding filling to a warm crust will cause it to melt and ruin the layers.
2. While the crust cools, prepare the creamy filling by beating the softened cream cheese and sugar in a small bowl until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well incorporated and fluffy. Spread this mixture over the completely cooled pretzel crust, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges of the pan to create a “seal” against the glass. This seal prevents the liquid gelatin from seeping down into the crust later. Refrigerate the dish while you prepare the final layer.
3. In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in boiling water, stirring for at least two minutes to ensure no granules remain. Stir in the frozen sliced strawberries immediately; the cold fruit will help the gelatin start to set. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for a brief period until the mixture thickens slightly to the consistency of unbeaten egg whites. This prevents the liquid from soaking into the cream layer when you pour it.
4. Carefully spoon the thickened strawberry mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer, smoothing it out gently to cover the surface evenly. Place the Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe in the refrigerator and let it chill until firm, which typically takes about 4 to 6 hours. Once fully set, cut the tart into squares to serve.

Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe Tips

The most important step is ensuring your cream cheese layer spreads all the way to the edges of the pan to create a watertight seal. This prevents the liquid gelatin from seeping down and making the Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe crust soggy.

Allow the pretzel crust to cool completely before you attempt to spread the filling on top. If the pan is still warm, the creamy filling will melt and lose its structure.

Let the gelatin mixture thicken slightly in the fridge before pouring it over the cream cheese layer. Pouring it while it is too liquid can cause the layers of your Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe to separate or float.

Serving Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe

I suggest slicing this dessert into clean squares and serving it chilled right from the refrigerator. You can add a dollop of extra whipped cream on top for a beautiful presentation.

Fresh mint leaves make a lovely garnish that adds a pop of color against the red strawberries. It pairs wonderfully with hot coffee or iced tea for a refreshing afternoon treat.

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more inspiration!

Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe

---

• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 6 hr 37 min
• Yield: 16 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This salty-sweet Strawberry Pretzel Tart recipe features a crunchy crust, creamy filling, and fresh fruit topping. It is the ultimate nostalgic dessert.

---

Ingredients

• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 1/4 cups whipped topping
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 packages (16 ounces each) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups crushed pretzels

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish and bake for 12 minutes. Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until combined. Spread this mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring you seal the edges against the pan to prevent leaks. Refrigerate until chilled.
3. Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl. Stir in the thawed strawberries and refrigerate the mixture until it is partially set and thickened.
4. Spoon the thickened strawberry mixture carefully over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate the tart for 4 to 6 hours until firm before slicing and serving.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese layer touches the edges of the pan to prevent the jello from soaking the crust.

• Prep Time: 25 min
• Chilling Time: 6 hr
• Cook Time: 12 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 42mg

Keywords: Strawberry Pretzel Tart Recipe, strawberry dessert, pretzel salad, potluck dessert, summer baking