Makeover Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Indulge in the perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and creamy with this Makeover Strawberry Pretzel Dessert—a lighter twist on the classic crowd-pleaser! Featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a velvety layer of reduced-fat cream cheese blended with whipped topping, and a crown of fresh strawberries set in glistening strawberry gelatin, this dessert offers irresistible layers of flavor and texture. With just 20 minutes of prep time, it's a surprisingly simple dessert that serves 12, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight treats. This recipe balances indulgence with smart ingredient swaps, like reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping, creating a guilt-free way to satisfy any sweet tooth. Serve it chilled for the ultimate refreshing dessert experience!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces reduced-fat frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 2 cups boiling water
- 6 ounces strawberry gelatin
- 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed.
Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13x9-inch glass or metal baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
While the crust cools, prepare the cream cheese layer. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
Once the crust is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, ensuring it reaches all edges to create a seal (this helps prevent the gelatin from seeping into the crust). Refrigerate the dish while preparing the next layer.
In a large bowl, whisk the boiling water and strawberry gelatin together until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to cool slightly.
Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer.
Carefully pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the strawberries, ensuring an even distribution. Refrigerate the dessert for 4-6 hours or until the gelatin is fully set.
Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your sweet and salty Makeover Strawberry Pretzel Dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3749 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 148.6 g | 191% | |
| Saturated Fat | 92.7 g | 464% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 308 mg | 102% | |
| Sodium | 5749 mg | 250% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 549.9 g | 200% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.0 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 268.1 g | ||
| Protein | 45.7 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 423 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 12.5 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 1753 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
