Christmas

December 23, 2021

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Bars

When I think of holiday jello, I think of those christmas jellos that your “aunt susie” or grandma would make filled with all sorts of colors, shapes and textures that could be questionable. All jokes aside, I am admittedly actually a pretty big fan of jello. I love how simple it is, yet so fruity and flavorful. It’s such an easy, likable treat to enjoy. Now, take that simplicity and amp up by adding a creamy whipped cream filling, plus a tasty crust and your jello game will be on point!

The reason I like this dessert so much is because when I see these strawberry jello bars it means it’s officially the holidays in our household! This is a dessert that has been a family tradition for many years. We don’t go a holiday season without it! It’s such an easy make ahead dessert that is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. The crust is savory and crumbly with a creamy filling and a sweet topping. You can’t go wrong and this just shows you that you no longer have to be afraid of that jiggly jello that gets added to your holiday spreads.

Now, some might consider this a summertime treat and it absolutely can be! This is perfect for those summer picnics or bbqs as well given that this is a dessert that classifies as creamy and cool. But, those bright red colors scream festive holiday vibes to me.

I changed up my family recipe a bit by using light coconut whipped cream for the filling to make it a little lighter and have a dairy free aspect to it. You can also make it lighter by using light cream cheese as well. I also added salted pretzels to the crust. My original family recipe is a traditional graham cracker crust, but I wanted to incorporate some saltiness and crunch to the bottom.

When it comes to the fresh strawberries, I sliced them, laid them flat and pressed them into the whipped cream filling. But, if you are a strawberry lover, feel free to load it up with strawberry pieces and cut them how you would like.

When making this ahead of time, allow for a minimum of 4-5 hours and a maximum of 24. I recommend leaving it in the fridge overnight if you can. But, if you are in a bit of a time crunch or need a same day dessert just allow at least 4-5 hours for the jello to set.

Did you make this? If so, make sure to tag and follow @prettyplatebymichelle on instagram or leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! I love to see your Pretty Plate and hear from you!

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Bars

Christmas jello doesn’t have to be scary! This recipe proves it. A triple layer bar consisting of a graham cracker pretzel crust, a whipped cream filling and a silky sweet strawberry topping shows how pretty and delicious jello can be!

Prep:
30
min
cook:
240
min
total:
270
min
Author:

Michelle

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 1 Cup salted pretzels, finely crushed
  • 1 Cup graham crackers, finely crushed
  • ¼ Cup sugar
  • ½ Cup butter, melted

For the Whipped Cream Filling: 

  • 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 8 oz tub cool whip
  • 1 Cup strawberries, sliced

For the Jello Top:

  • 1 8 oz jello package
  • ¾ Cup ice cubes or about 12-15 ice cubes
Instructions
  1. Add pretzels to your food processor and finely crush, measure out 1 cup and place in a bowl.
  2. Add the graham crackers to your food processor, finely crush and measure out 1 cup. Add to the same bowl as the crushed pretzels. Pour in ¼ cup sugar to your pretzel and graham cracker mixture. Mix well.
  3. In another bowl, add your ½ cup butter and melt. Once melted pour over your graham crackers and pretzels. Mix well.
  4. Transfer to the bottom of a 13”x9” rectangular baking dish. Press down and spread out evenly to make the crust. Place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.
  5. While your crust is cooling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl add your cream cheese and beat until smooth, add ¼ cup sugar and mix again until well combined. Last, add your tub of cool whip and mix until smooth and all is well combined.
  6. Remove your crust from the fridge. Using a spatula, spread the filling over the top of your graham cracker pretzel crust. Place in the fridge.
  7. Dice your fresh strawberries and measure out 1 cup. Sprinkle over the top of the filling, place it back in the fridge to settle for 1 hour.
  8. After the 1 hour is up, make your top jello mixture. Make the strawberry jello according to the package using the speed set method. Carefully stir the gelatin mix until completely dissolved. Add about 12 ice cubes and continue stirring carefully until the ice has melted. Carefully, pour evenly over the prepared strawberries and whipped cream filling.
  9. Place in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight until firm.
  10. When ready, remove from the fridge and garnish with extra whipped cream, pretzels and strawberries.
  11. ENJOY!
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Cynthia
October 9, 2023
The ingredient list is missing lemon slices, shallot and garlic.
Michael
July 5, 2023
Can I do this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Kevin
October 19, 2021
So delicious!