Ingredients
Pretzel Crust
- 2½ cups crushed salted pretzels
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (recommended for extra flavor and better binding)
- 1 tablespoon finely crushed graham cracker crumbs (optional but highly recommended for a sturdier crust)
Pineapple Cream Layer
- 8 oz (226 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, VERY WELL drained
Strawberry Layer
- 2 packages (3 oz each) strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
Decoration
- whipped cream rosettes
- fresh strawberries
- pineapple tidbits
- crushed pretzels
- fresh mint leaves
Instructions
1. Prepare the crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine:
- crushed pretzels
- melted butter
- white sugar
- brown sugar
- graham cracker crumbs
Mix until evenly coated.
Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish using the flat bottom of a measuring cup.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the cream layer
Beat softened cream cheese for about 2 minutes until perfectly smooth.
Add sugar and vanilla.
Mix another minute.
Drain the pineapple extremely well.
Wrap it in paper towels and gently squeeze out excess moisture.
Fold pineapple into the cream cheese.
Fold whipped topping gently until fluffy.
Spread over the cooled crust.
Seal completely to every edge of the baking dish.
This prevents the gelatin from soaking underneath.
3. Prepare the strawberry topping
Whisk gelatin into boiling water for two full minutes.
Add cold water.
Cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until slightly thickened.
Do NOT refrigerate.
Fold in strawberries and drained pineapple.
Using a large spoon, gently distribute the fruit over the cream layer.
Slowly pour remaining gelatin over the fruit.
4. Chill
Refrigerate uncovered for 4 hours minimum.
For the cleanest slices, chill overnight.
5. Decorate
Pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edges.
Top with:
- sliced strawberries
- pineapple tidbits
- crushed pretzels
- mint leaves
Serve chilled.
Notes
✔ Drain pineapple extremely well.
✔ Cool crust completely before adding filling.
✔ Never pour hot gelatin over cream cheese.
✔ Spread the cream filling all the way to every edge.
✔ Chill overnight for bakery-quality slices.
✔ Cut with a hot knife wiped clean after each slice.
✔ Do not freeze before the gelatin has completely set.
✔ Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture.
✔ Slightly crushed pretzels create the best crunch—avoid turning them into powder.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked Crust + Chilled Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian