🥄 Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Pie
Searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing summer dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven? This no-bake strawberry pretzel pie is it.
With a sweet-and-salty crust, a creamy filling, and a glossy strawberry topping, it’s perfect for BBQs, 4th of July parties, and lazy summer nights.
Whether you remember this from grandma’s kitchen or it’s your first time trying it, this retro treat is making a huge comeback—and for good reason.
🍓 A Slice of Nostalgia: The Backstory
This dessert goes by many names—strawberry pretzel salad, pretzel pie, or even “that Jello cream cheese thing.” But one thing’s for sure: everyone remembers the first time they tried it.
My aunt used to bring it to every cookout, and I always thought she was a magician. How did she get pretzels to taste like candy?
And how could something so good not require baking? Fast forward to today, I’ve modernized her recipe with a no-bake twist and a real whipped cream filling—no Cool Whip here, folks.
📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this no-bake strawberry pretzel pie from scratch:
🧂 For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 5 cups whole)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
🍰 For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
🍓 For the Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
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🧑🍳 How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Pie
1. Make the Pretzel Crust
1. Crush the pretzels in a food processor or by sealing them in a bag and using a rolling pin
.2. Mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and sugar until evenly coated.
3. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, using a flat-bottomed glass.
4. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes while you prep the filling.
> 💡 Tip: Press crust tightly to prevent it from crumbling when sliced.
2. Make the Creamy Cheesecake Layer
1. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
5. Spread over the chilled pretzel crust. Return to the fridge.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping
1. Dissolve the Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water.
2. Add 1/2 cup cold water and stir. Let cool for 10 minutes
.3. Arrange sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer
.4. Slowly pour cooled Jell-O over strawberries.
5. Chill the pie in the fridge for at least 4 hours or until set.
❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Can be made up to 2 days in advance—perfect for party prep.
- Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Not Recommended: The creamy layer doesn’t thaw well.
📸 Pinterest-Worthy Serving Tips
- Garnish with extra whipped cream and crushed pretzels.
- Use star-shaped strawberries for patriotic flair!
- Serve with lemonade, iced tea, or a rosé spritzer for adults.
👀 Reader’s Favorite Comment
> “I made this for our July 4th BBQ and everyone asked for the recipe! The sweet-salty combo is chef’s kiss. Plus, I didn’t even have to turn on the oven in 90° heat. Total win.”— Jenna M., Texas
🧠 FAQs About No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Pie
- Can I use frozen strawberries?Fresh is best for texture, but thawed and drained frozen strawberries will work in a pinch.
- Can I swap in Cool Whip?Yes! While homemade whipped cream gives better flavor, Cool Whip is a shortcut.
- What other fruits can I use?Try raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches with matching Jell-O flavors.
- How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?Make sure the cream cheese layer seals the crust completely.
- This acts as a barrier against the Jell-O.Can I use frozen strawberries?Fresh is best for texture, but thawed and drained frozen strawberries will work in a pinch.
- Can I swap in Cool Whip?Yes! While homemade whipped cream gives better flavor, Cool Whip is a shortcut.
- What other fruits can I use?Try raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches with matching Jell-O flavors.
- How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?Make sure the cream cheese layer seals the crust completely. This acts as a barrier against the Jell-O.
No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Pie (The Ultimate Sweet-Salty Summer Dessert)
Course: 30-Minute Meals4 -5
servings30
minutes40
minutes350
kcalIngredients
2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups whipped cream
2 cups strawberries
1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
Directions
- Combine pretzels, butter, sugar. Press into pie dish. Chill.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla. Fold in whipped cream. Spread over crust.
- Arrange strawberries. Pour cooled Jell-O on top. Chill 4+ hours.
- Slice, serve cold, and enjoy!
🛍️ Recommended Tools for This Recipe
Amazon Food Processor Easiest pretzel crushing Amazon
✨ Final Thoughts
This no-bake strawberry pretzel pie is your new go-to dessert for summer gatherings. It’s nostalgic, trendy, and doesn’t require you to break a sweat. Whether you’re serving it at a cookout, picnic, or just because strawberries are on sale—you can’t go wrong
.📌 Pin this recipe so you always have a last-minute, no-bake wonder in your back pocket.
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🥴 Funny Disclaimer (for those adding alcohol pairings):
Warning: Pairing this with a rosé spritzer may cause extreme happiness, nostalgia, and sudden bursts of “this is soooo good.”