This Strawberry Pretzel Pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining a crunchy pretzel crust with a creamy, fruity filling. The salty-sweet combination is an absolute hit, especially during warmer months or for a fun and easy dessert to bring to gatherings. This no-bake pie is incredibly simple to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 4 cups miniature pretzels
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup boiling water
• 1 package (6 oz) strawberry gelatin
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and divided
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
• 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
• 2/3 cup whipped cream cheese
• 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   Place the pretzels in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the melted butter and sugar to the pretzels and pulse until combined. Set aside 1/3 cup of the pretzel mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Make the Gelatin:
   In a bowl, combine the boiling water and strawberry gelatin, stirring for 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Add the lemon juice and refrigerate for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Prepare the Strawberries:
   Chop half of the strawberries and slice the remaining strawberries to reserve for the topping.

4. Whip the Cream:
   In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

5. Make the Filling:
   Once the gelatin mixture has cooled, beat the marshmallow creme, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk into the gelatin until well-blended. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and whipped cream.

6. Assemble the Pie:
   Pour the filling into the prepared crust and refrigerate, covered, for 4-6 hours until firm.

7. Add the Toppings:
   Beat the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form and spread over the pie. Top with the reserved sliced strawberries and pretzel mixture.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 19g (12g saturated fat)
• Cholesterol: 56mg
• Sodium: 284mg
• Carbohydrates: 39g (30g sugars, 1g fiber)
• Protein: 4g

A Perfect Combination of Salty and Sweet

One of the most exciting aspects of this dessert is its balance of flavors. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect contrast to the creamy, fruity filling. The crunchy pretzels not only provide texture but also enhance the sweetness of the filling, making each bite a delightful blend of salty and sweet. This combination is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing it to be paired with a variety of toppings and fillings.

The crunchy pretzel base gives this pie a satisfying crunch, which contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling. The pretzel flavor complements the sweetness of the strawberries, while the richness of the filling balances the saltiness of the crust. This creates a harmony of flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds.

The No-Bake Convenience

Unlike many traditional pies that require baking, the Strawberry Pretzel Pie is a no-bake dessert. This makes it an ideal option for those who want to create a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of preparation means you can whip up this pie in no time, and the only waiting time is for the pie to chill and set in the refrigerator.

The no-bake method also ensures that the flavors remain fresh and vibrant. The gelatin mixture gives the pie its smooth, jiggly texture, while the fresh strawberries provide a burst of natural sweetness. With no need to bake the crust, you can simply assemble the pie, chill it, and enjoy a cool, refreshing treat when you’re ready.

Customizing the Filling

The filling of the Strawberry Pretzel Pie is where you can get creative. While the base recipe calls for marshmallow crème, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk to create a rich, smooth filling, you can always customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For example, you can substitute the marshmallow crème with a vegan alternative or use a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, you can experiment with sugar substitutes or reduce the amount of sugar in the crust and filling.

The versatility of the filling allows for endless variations. You can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced mango to the filling for a fruity twist. The gelatin mixture provides structure, but you can also incorporate other flavors like lemon or orange zest to create a more citrusy flavor profile.

Strawberries: The Star Ingredient

Fresh strawberries are the star of the show in this pie. Not only do they add vibrant color and natural sweetness, but they also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the filling. Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to this indulgent dessert.

The way the strawberries are used in the recipe allows them to shine. The chopped strawberries are folded into the creamy filling, giving the pie an extra burst of freshness. The sliced strawberries that top the pie provide a beautiful garnish and a final pop of color. Whether you’re using store-bought strawberries or freshly picked ones, they’re sure to elevate this dessert to the next level.

Easy to Prepare and Serve

This Strawberry Pretzel Pie is incredibly easy to make. The steps are simple, and the only real work is mixing the ingredients and letting the pie chill in the refrigerator. It’s a great option for a last-minute dessert for gatherings or for a simple treat to enjoy at home. The recipe requires no special tools or advanced baking techniques, making it perfect for beginner cooks or anyone who is looking for an easy and stress-free dessert.

Once the pie has chilled and set, serving it is just as easy. Simply slice it into wedges and serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, if desired. The combination of textures—crunchy, creamy, and fruity—makes this pie both satisfying and indulgent. It’s the kind of dessert that is sure to disappear quickly at any gathering.

Healthier Than Traditional Pies

While this pie might taste indulgent, it’s actually a healthier option compared to many other traditional pies. The pretzel crust is lower in sugar than typical pie crusts, and the use of fresh strawberries instead of canned fruit makes this dessert a healthier choice. Additionally, the no-bake nature of the pie means that it retains all the natural nutrients of the strawberries, without losing any of their flavor during baking.

Though the pie still contains sugar in the filling, it’s a treat that can be enjoyed in moderation without feeling overly guilty. The balance of sweet and salty also means you can enjoy a smaller portion and still feel satisfied. If you’re looking for a dessert that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or extensive preparation, this pie is a great option.

Conclusion: A Versatile and Refreshing Dessert

The Strawberry Pretzel Pie is a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with flavor. Its salty-sweet combination makes it a fun and unique treat that everyone will enjoy. The no-bake aspect of the pie makes it easy to prepare, and the vibrant, fresh strawberries make it perfect for summer or any special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a simple dessert to enjoy with family, this pie is a wonderful choice.

Its versatility allows you to adapt it to your tastes, whether you’re looking for a more decadent version with extra toppings or a lighter, healthier alternative. With its delicious filling, crunchy pretzel crust, and vibrant strawberry topping, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, next time you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing treat, give this Strawberry Pretzel Pie a try—you won’t be disappointed!