Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Delight Recipe | Easy Layered Dessert with Pretzel Crust
If you’re craving a dessert that’s cool, creamy, crunchy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Delight is your perfect pick. Featuring a salty-sweet pretzel crust, a fluffy cheesecake layer, and a fruity strawberry gelatin topping, this no-fail crowd-pleaser is ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any festive occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-fuss, make-ahead dessert
Beautiful layered presentation
Combines textures: crunchy, creamy, and gelatinous
Easy ingredients — no baking experience required!
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust:
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2 cups crushed pretzels
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
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2 cups cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Strawberry Gelatin Layer:
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1 package (6 oz) strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)
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2 cups boiling water
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3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Pretzel Crust
In a medium bowl, combine:
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2 cups crushed pretzels
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 cup melted unsalted butter
Mix thoroughly, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even crust.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the crust into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and set.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before adding the next layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a large mixing bowl:
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Beat 2 cups softened cream cheese until fluffy.
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Add ¾ cup powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
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Mix until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the 8 oz whipped topping until well incorporated.
Step 5: Spread the Cheesecake Layer
Once the crust is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it.
Be sure to seal the edges so the gelatin layer won’t seep through.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Gelatin Topping
In a separate bowl:
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Dissolve 1 package of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water.
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Stir until completely dissolved.
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Add 3 cups of sliced strawberries and stir gently.
Let the gelatin mixture cool slightly until it thickens just a bit — this prevents it from soaking into the cream layer.
Step 7: Add the Gelatin Layer
Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Smooth the strawberries out so they’re evenly distributed across the top.
Step 8: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until the gelatin is fully set and firm.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
When ready to serve:
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Cut into neat squares with a sharp knife.
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Use a spatula to lift out each delicious layered piece.
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Garnish with extra whipped topping or fresh mint, if desired.
Storage Tips
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Refrigerator: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
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Freezer: Not recommended as gelatin may separate and change texture.
Recipe Tips & Variations
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Use low-fat cream cheese or sugar-free gelatin for a lighter version.
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Swap strawberries with raspberries or peaches and use matching gelatin flavor.
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Add a crunchy topping of crushed freeze-dried strawberries or crushed vanilla cookies for extra flair.
FAQs
❓ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the gelatin layer.
❓ Can I use graham crackers instead of pretzels?
You can! It will be sweeter and less salty — perfect for those who prefer mild flavor.
❓ Can I make this a day ahead?
Absolutely. This is a make-ahead dessert that actually tastes better when chilled overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Delight is a visually stunning, refreshing dessert that combines layers of salty pretzel crunch, sweet cheesecake fluff, and juicy strawberry topping. It’s easy to prepare, travel-friendly, and guaranteed to impress guests at any gathering.
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