This Strawberry Blueberry Pretzel Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity. With a buttery pretzel crust, whipped cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry-blueberry gelatin topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
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Whether you’re hosting a cookout, planning a picnic, or just craving something light and refreshing, this vintage-inspired treat never disappoints. The salty pretzel base gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the fluffy cream cheese layer and juicy berries add sweet, tangy contrast. And don’t let the “salad” name fool you, it’s 100% dessert.
This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time, and the patriotic red, white, and blue colors make it a festive favorite for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day parties!
You may also like these 18 Easy 4th of July Treats for Kids!.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
For the fruit and gelatin layer:
- 6 oz (family-size) package of strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 16 oz frozen sliced strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
How to Make Strawberry Blueberry Pretzel Salad
Make the pretzel crust:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. If you’re starting with whole pretzels, crush them using a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag until they’re in small pieces (about ¼ inch or smaller). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with melted butter and 3 tablespoons of sugar.
Stir well, then press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set the dish on a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the cream cheese layer:
Once the crust has cooled, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is fully combined.
Carefully spread this layer over the crust, making sure to cover the entire surface and seal the edges—this helps prevent the gelatin from seeping down and making the crust soggy. Chill in the fridge while you work on the topping.
Mix the gelatin and fruit layer:
In a large heat-safe bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, whisking for several minutes until fully dissolved.
Add in the frozen strawberries and stir to combine. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 10–15 minutes, just until the mixture starts to thicken slightly—don’t let it fully set.
Assemble the top layer:
Once the gelatin mixture is slightly thickened, gently pour it over the cream cheese layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Sprinkle fresh blueberries across the top. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for 2–3 hours until everything is fully set.
Helpful Tips
Speed up cooling: Place the pretzel crust on a wire rack after baking to help it cool faster.
Avoid soggy crusts: Be sure to spread the cream cheese mixture completely to the edges to create a barrier. If the gelatin seeps through, it can soften the pretzels.
Perfect gelatin texture: Refrigerate the gelatin mixture just long enough to slightly thicken it. If it’s too runny, it won’t hold its shape; if it’s too firm, it won’t spread easily.
Serve chilled: This dessert tastes best when cold and firm, store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Substitutions
Switch the fruit: Try raspberries or blackberries in place of blueberries, or mix in diced fresh strawberries for extra texture.
Use homemade whipped cream: Swap out the whipped topping for fresh whipped cream if you prefer a less processed option.
Change the flavor: Raspberry or mixed berry gelatin also work beautifully in this dish.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pretzels for a crust that everyone can enjoy.
Strawberry Blueberry Pretzel Salad is one of those nostalgic desserts that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and always a hit with both kids and adults. With its vibrant layers and perfect balance of sweet and salty, this no-fuss treat will become your go-to for summer gatherings.