Jello Mold With Pretzel Crust
A colorful and creamy dessert featuring a pretzel crust, layered with a sweet cream cheese mixture and topped with strawberry Jell-O, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely.
- In an electric mixer, beat Cool Whip, cream cheese, and 10x sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Dissolve Jell-O in water, add strawberries, and refrigerate until it begins to jell but is not set, about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring frequently.
- Pour the Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchy pretzel crust, ensure you press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking. If you prefer a sweeter base, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the crust. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute in the filling. You can also experiment with different Jell-O flavors, such as raspberry or cherry, for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Jello Mold with Pretzel Crust is perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings. Serve it chilled for a refreshing dessert that pairs beautifully with Sunday Morning Pancakes for brunch or alongside a light salad. Garnish with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for added flair and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to make it in advance, prepare the Jello mold and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Avoid freezing as the texture of the cream cheese layer may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jello Mold With Pretzel Crust contains roughly 286 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making the Jello Mold the day before allows the layers to set properly, enhancing the flavors. Just ensure to keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).