This Fluffy Strawberry Pretzel Dip brings the flavor of your favorite summer potluck dessert, strawberry pretzel salad, without the layers!
First of all, let me say that I grappled with what to name this Fluffy Strawberry Pretzel Dip. You see, there are no pretzels in the actual dip itself, but I created it based on the famous Strawberry Pretzel Salad that graces many southern summer potlucks. I want you to know what kind of flavors you’re getting into, you know?
The “salad” that I’m referring to is a dessert made out of a salty pretzel crust, sweet cream cheese filling that’s reminiscent of cheesecake, and a strawberry Jell-O topping that has fresh sliced strawberry throughout. If you’ve ever been to a cookout in the summer, someone’s grandma has probably brought this dish.
It’s popular for good reason! It’s creamy, salty, fruity, and sweet. This dip version hits all the same notes but in a scoopable form! No matter what, you get a bite of juicy strawberries and fluffy strawberry whip on every pretzel. I like serving this dip with pretzel crisps since there’s more flat surface area for maximum scoop load.
Fluffy Strawberry Pretzel Dip Ingredients & Subs
cool whip — There are so many Cool Whip-esque products out there these days, I’m sure you could find something depending on your dietary preferences. I love Tru Whip for a DF option! I’m definitely going to try this recipe with Sugar-Free Keto Tru Whip and Simply Delish SF Strawberry Jello for a fun keto version! You may just have to serve with fruit or eat with a spoon (no shame in that game).
brick cream cheese — It’s important that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature and your Cool Whip is fully defrosted to get a smooth and uniform dip. I love Kite Hill for a dairy-free option.
strawberry Jell-o dry mix — Yep, just rip open that package and add the stuff dry. You’ll have some left over, but just follow the directions on the box to make a little Jell-o treat! Norah had so much fun mixing it up with me and we added some chopped fruit to the mold. Just make sure you go a little scant on your water since you’ve removed 3 tbsp for the dip.
strawberries — Sometimes I add more than the 1 1/2 cups called for, but I thought that was a nice place to start. If you’re strawberry obsessed like me, you can even go for two cups.
vanilla extract
freeze-dried strawberries — this is totally optional, but we always have freeze-dried strawbs on-hand for Norah’s sacking pleasure, so I added some on top. They add a lovely crunch and huge pop of concentrated strawberry flavor. Don’t go on a wild goose chase though if your supermarket sweeping it.
pretzels — While they’re technically not IN the recipe, they’re essential for serving if you want that classic strawberry pretzel flavor and sweet and salty element. Fruit would also be a great addition to the platter or even animal crackers!
How to Make Fluffy Strawberry Pretzel Dip
Combine the thawed cool whip, softened cream cheese, and dry jello mix in a large bowl. Mix well, making sure there are no lumps of cream cheese. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped strawberries.
You can serve immediately, but I like to let it sit, covered, in the fridge for about an hour to let the flavors intensify.
Spoon into a serving bowl and serve with pretzels. Optional, but you can also top with some crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a crunchy pop.
Please note the adorable toddler hand above that grabbed a pretzel and wanted to copy mommy.
How to store Fluffy Strawberry Pretzel Dip
The good news is, the serving bowl will 100% be wiped clean and probably before everyone gets a serving. The bad news is, the serving bowl will 100% be wiped clean and probably before everyone gets a serving.
All jokes aside, you’ll only get 1-2 days MAX out of leftovers here. The strawberries will start releasing all their juices and while delicious, it doesn’t make for a very pleasant-looking dish. But, if you just want to grab a spoon and go to town on the day 2 leftovers while hovering over the trash, that’s fine.
I can’t confirm or deny whether I know that from experience (I do).
More recipes to use your summer strawberries!
Strawberry-Lime Iced Matcha Lattes
Strawberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Take a browse around the site and please let me know if you make anything by leaving a comment and rating the recipe below. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or requests!
Fluffy Strawberry Pretzel Dip
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce tub cool whip, thawed in the fridge
- 1 8-ounce brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jello dry mix
- 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Freeze dried strawberries, for topping (Optional)
- Pretzels, to serve
Instructions
- Combine the thawed cool whip, softened cream cheese, and dry jello mix in a large bowl. Mix well, making sure there are no lumps of cream cheese. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped strawberries.
- You can serve immediately, but I like to let it sit, covered, in the fridge for about an hour to let the flavors intensify.
- Spoon into a serving bowl and serve with pretzels. Optional, but you can also top with some crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a crunchy pop.
Notes
See the blog post above.
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