Sweet Strawberry Dessert Bars (Printer-friendly)

Savory dessert bars with a strawberry twist.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pretzel Crust

01 - 2 cups salted pretzels, crushed
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

→ Cream Cheese Layer

04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

→ Strawberry Topping

07 - 1 (6 oz) package strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
08 - 2 cups boiling water
09 - 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 - Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
03 - Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
04 - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping.
05 - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges so the gelatin layer won’t seep through.
06 - Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
07 - Dissolve strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then set aside to cool to room temperature (do not let it set).
08 - Arrange sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
09 - Gently pour the cooled gelatin over the strawberries.
10 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is set.
11 - Slice into bars and serve chilled.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The salty pretzel crust contrasts beautifully with the sweet cream cheese layer and fruity strawberry topping.
  • Easy to assemble with no complicated baking needed beyond the crust.
  • Chilled bars are refreshingly cool and perfect for warm weather.
  • Great make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.
02 -
  • Ensure the crust is cooled completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting and mixing of layers.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not allow the gelatin mixture to set before pouring it over the strawberries; it should be cool but still liquid.
  • For easy slicing, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
Go back