Strawberry Crackle Salad

 

Strawberry Crackle Salad: A Sweet & Crunchy Classic That Steals the Show

Some dishes aren’t just recipes—they’re experiences. Strawberry Crackle Salad is one of those retro-style desserts that brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s sweet, creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of crunchy. A beloved favorite at potlucks, holidays, and summer BBQs, this crowd-pleasing “salad” is a playful twist that blurs the line between side dish and dessert.

If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat. And if you grew up with it on your grandma’s table, this recipe will take you straight back to those sunny family gatherings—red Jell-O glistening under a whipped topping, layers of flavor and texture in every spoonful.

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🍓 What Is Strawberry Crackle Salad?

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a layered gelatin-based dish typically made with a buttery pretzel crust, sweet strawberry gelatin, fresh or frozen strawberries, and a creamy middle layer made from whipped topping and cream cheese. The “crackle” comes from the salty-sweet pretzel base that contrasts perfectly with the smooth, fluffy filling and fruity top.

It’s sweet, tangy, salty, crunchy, and creamy—all at once. In short, it’s a masterpiece of contrasts.

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💖 Why Everyone Loves It

• Perfect for gatherings – Feeds a crowd and always gets compliments

• Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better when chilled overnight

• Sweet & salty combo – The buttery pretzel crust makes it irresistible

• Bright, colorful, and fun – A festive dish that looks as good as it tastes

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🍓 Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pretzel Crust:

• 2 cups crushed pretzels

• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 2 packages (3 oz each) strawberry Jell-O

• 2 cups boiling water

• 1½ to 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries (or thawed frozen strawberries)

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🥣 Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prepare the Crust
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.

2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
   In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
   Spread evenly over the cooled crust, sealing the edges to prevent the Jell-O from seeping through.

3. Make the Strawberry Topping
   In a separate bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water. Let it cool slightly (until it's thickened but not set), then stir in the sliced strawberries.

4. Assemble the Salad
   Carefully pour the strawberry Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

5. Serve & Enjoy
   Cut into squares and serve chilled. Optionally, top with extra whipped topping or a few fresh mint leaves for garnish.

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🌟 Tips & Variations

• Seal the edges! When spreading the cream cheese layer, go all the way to the edges to keep the Jell-O from leaking into the crust.

• Use raspberries or peaches for a fun flavor twist.

• Add crushed pineapple (well-drained) to the cream cheese layer for extra tang.

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pretzels in the crust for a GF version.

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🎉 More Than Just a Salad

Despite the name, Strawberry Crackle Salad is definitely a dessert—and one that never goes out of style. It brings color to your table, flavor to your plate, and joy to your guests. Whether it’s served at Easter brunch, a Fourth of July cookout, or just a weeknight treat “because it sounded good,” this dish is always the first to disappear.

So next time you're looking for something nostalgic, refreshing, and delightfully sweet with just the right crunch—this is the one.