Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad

This is a summertime classic, and up there as one of my favorites of all time. The salty, buttery pretzels with the sweet middle layer is, in my opinion, the best part. But it is definitely complemented by the strawberries and Jell-O. It's technically a "side dish," labeled a "salad," but one could easily be just as satisfied having it for "dessert."

2 c. crushed pretzels

4 T. sugar

3/4 c. butter, melted

8 oz. block cream cheese

1 c. sugar

9 oz. pkg. Cool Whip, thawed in refrigerator

6 oz. pkg. Strawberry Jell-O

2 c. water, boiling

(2) 10-oz. pkg. of frozen strawberries, thawed

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Bottom Layer: Mix crushed pretzels, 4 T. sugar, and 3/4 c. melted butter; spread in a 13x9 pan. Bake for 6 minutes. Cool.

Middle Layer: Mix cream cheese, 1 c. sugar, and Cool Whip until smooth. Spread on pretzel crust.

Top Layer: In a large bowl, dissolve strawberry Jell-O in 2 c. boiling water. Add frozen strawberries. Place bowl in refrigerator until cooled, but not quite set. Spread on cream cheese layer. Chill until Jell-O is completely set.