Desserts

Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

Name: Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed pretzels; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip); 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 package (6 oz) strawberry jello; 2 cups boiling water

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Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats are a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and creamy layers that always get smiles. The crunchy pretzel crust gives a salty snap, the cream cheese and whipped topping layer is silky and light, and the strawberry gelatin with fresh berries adds bright color and juicy flavor. These bars look lovely on a dessert table and taste like spring in every bite. If you enjoy playful pretzel desserts, try a different twist like chocolate pretzel trees for another easy party treat.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes baking + 4 hours chilling
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 410 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 240 mg

Why Make This Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

This recipe balances sweet and salty in a way that feels fresh and fun. The pretzel crust gives a toasty crunch and salty depth, the cream cheese layer is smooth and slightly tangy, and the strawberry jello with fresh berries adds a glossy, fruity finish. These bars are easy to assemble, require no special equipment, and chill into neat squares that hold up well for picnics, potlucks, or casual desserts. They make a colorful addition to spring and summer gatherings and are kid-friendly too.

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

This recipe breaks down into a simple crust, a creamy middle, and a fruity jelled top. Work in stages and allow the jello to set fully for clean slices. Use cold whipped topping and softened cream cheese for easy mixing. If your strawberries are very juicy, gently pat them dry to prevent the jello from watering down.

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed pretzels
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 package (6 oz) strawberry jello
2 cups boiling water

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups crushed pretzels, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form an even crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the next layers.

Step 2: Mixing

In a separate bowl, beat 1 package (8 oz) softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in 2 cups whipped topping until well combined and light. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Step 3: Cooking

Arrange 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries in an even layer over the cream cheese mixture. In another bowl, dissolve 1 package (6 oz) strawberry jello in 2 cups boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let the jello cool slightly but not begin to set. Carefully pour the slightly cooled jello over the strawberries, allowing it to spread and fill gaps around the fruit.

Step 4: Finishing

Refrigerate the assembled pan for at least 4 hours, or until the jello is completely set and the bars are firm. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice into squares. Serve cold and enjoy the contrast of crunchy, creamy, and fruity textures.

How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best texture. Garnish individual squares with a fresh strawberry slice or a small dollop of whipped topping for a pretty presentation. These treats work well on dessert platters, picnic boxes, or as a light dessert after a summer meal. They pair nicely with iced tea, lemonade, or a simple sparkling water.

How to Store Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

Refrigerate: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep layers cool to preserve the texture of the jello and cream layer.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended; the jello and whipped topping can change texture when frozen and thawed.
Transport: For potlucks, keep chilled in a cooler until serving time to prevent the jello top from becoming soft.

Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats

Press crust firmly: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the pretzel mixture tightly into the pan to keep the base from crumbling.
Cool crust fully: If the crust is warm, the cream cheese layer will soften and may become runny.
Soak up extra juice: If strawberries are very ripe and juicy, blot them lightly with paper towels to avoid a watery jello top.
Let jello cool: Pour the jello when slightly cooled so it doesn’t melt the cream layer, but don’t wait so long that it starts to set.
Sharp knife for clean cuts: Dip the knife in hot water and wipe it between cuts for neat squares.

Delicious Variations

Mixed Berry: Replace strawberries with a mix of blueberries and raspberries for more color and flavor.
Lemon Twist: Use lemon jello and swap powdered sugar for a touch of lemon zest in the cream layer for a brighter zing.
Chocolate Crunch: Mix a few tablespoons of cocoa into the pretzel crust or sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before serving.
Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar substitutes suitable for baking and a sugar-free gelatin to reduce overall sugar.
Nutty Crust: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds to the pretzel crust for extra crunch and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can assemble the bars and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before serving. Keep them covered to prevent the top from drying out.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh strawberries are best because frozen berries release excess liquid when thawed, which can make the jello layer thin. If using frozen, thaw and drain well, then pat dry before layering.

Q: What if my jello doesn’t set?
A: Make sure you used the correct ratio of jello to boiling water and that your refrigerator is cold enough. Also, avoid using piping-hot jello directly on the cream layer — it can prevent setting properly.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free whipped topping. Check that your jello and other ingredients are gelatin/animal-free if needed.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Press the crust firmly and bake it until lightly golden. Allow it to cool fully before spreading the cream layer. Also, avoid overly juicy fruit contact by patting strawberries dry.

Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes. You can halve all ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch pan instead. Watch chilling time; the smaller pan may set a bit faster.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use gluten-free pretzels to make this recipe gluten-free. Confirm all other ingredients are marked gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats are a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that blends salty crunch with creamy tang and bright strawberry flavor. They are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any day you want an easy, pretty treat. For another take on a pretzel-based sweet, check out Strawberry Pretzel Marshmallow Treats – Butternut Bakery for inspiration and serving ideas. Give this recipe a try — the contrast of textures and the fresh strawberry shine make every bite memorable.