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reese witherspoon gelatin recipe

Strawberry pretzel salad layers in clear glass pan

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This Reese Witherspoon gelatin recipe is a Southern strawberry pretzel salad Jello with a buttery pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and strawberry gelatin topping. It's a perfect potluck dessert that balances salty and sweet flavors with a beautiful layered presentation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (coarse crush, pieces between 1/4 and 1/2 inch)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
  • 2 packages (3 oz each) strawberry Jell-O
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 cups cold water (or 20 oz frozen strawberries, partially thawed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, 3 tablespoons sugar, and pink salt in a bowl until mixture looks like wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into an ungreased 9x13 pan using a flat-bottomed glass.
  2. Bake for exactly 10 minutes. Let cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent the cream cheese layer from melting.
  3. Beat softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together with a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth. Fold in Cool Whip gently. Spread this mixture edge-to-edge across the cooled crust, sealing every edge. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Dissolve both Jell-O packets in 2 cups boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups cold water or frozen strawberries. Let gelatin cool to 68-72 degrees F before pouring (use a thermometer).
  5. Pour cooled gelatin slowly over the back of a spoon resting against the cream cheese layer to diffuse the flow. Refrigerate a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight.
  6. To serve, run a thin, sharp knife under warm water before each cut. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Do not use fresh pineapple, kiwi, papaya, or mango as they prevent gelatin from setting. Use canned or frozen fruit only. Make ahead no more than 24 hours for best texture. Do not freeze.

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