If you have a serious sweet tooth but want to keep things light and guilt-free, this Sugar Free Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe will become your go-to dessert. It’s that perfect harmony of salty, sweet, creamy, and fruity all rolled into one vibrant, refreshing dish. The crunchy pretzel crust forms a delightful base, while the rich cream cheese layer adds a velvety touch, finished off with a glistening strawberry gelatin and fresh fruit topping. Whether you’re serving it at a party or savoring it as a solo treat, this salad is a sensational way to enjoy dessert without the sugar crash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays an essential role — from flavor and texture to balance and color — creating a dessert that not only tastes amazing but looks gorgeous too. The simplicity of these ingredients means you can easily gather them and whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time!
- Salted butter (¾ cup melted): Binds the pretzel crust perfectly while adding a savory richness.
- Crushed pretzels (2 cups): Bring the irresistible salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet layers.
- Stevia (3 tablespoons + ¾ cup): A smart sugar substitute that keeps the sweetness without the calories or crash.
- Low fat cream cheese (8 ounces): Adds a rich, creamy texture with a touch of tang.
- Sugar free whipped topping (8 ounces + extra for garnish): Makes the filling light and fluffy, balancing the cream cheese.
- Water (2 cups): Essential for dissolving the gelatin to create that glossy strawberry layer.
- Sugar free strawberry gelatin mix (0.6 ounces): Gives that iconic strawberry flavor and sets the top layer firmly.
- Frozen strawberries (14 ounces): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color with refreshing fruit pieces.
- Crushed pineapple in 100% juice (8 ounces drained): Compliments the strawberries with tropical sweetness and moisture.
How to Make Sugar Free Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and bake your crust
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and spraying a 9×13-inch dish with nonstick spray. Mix the melted butter, crushed pretzels, and 3 tablespoons of stevia until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the pan to form your crust. Baking it for 7-8 minutes enhances the flavor and ensures a crunchy, golden base that will hold the layers above perfectly once cooled.
Step 2: Whip up the creamy filling
While the crust cools, beat the cream cheese and ¾ cup stevia until smooth and fluffy—this is your sweet, tangy foundation. Gently fold in the sugar free whipped topping to lighten the mixture. Pour this luscious cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled crust and smooth it out. Pop it into the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes so it sets just right.
Step 3: Prepare the strawberry gelatin topping
Bring the two cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat and whisk in the sugar free strawberry gelatin mix. Let it cool for about 10 minutes—this step helps prevent the gelatin from melting the cream cheese layer underneath. After cooling, stir in the frozen strawberries and crushed pineapple. These add both juiciness and delicious fruit chunks that make every bite exciting and fresh.
Step 4: Assemble and chill to perfection
Pour the strawberry gelatin and fruit mixture gently over the chilled cream cheese layer. Be careful to spread it evenly for a beautiful presentation. Return the dish to the fridge and allow it to set completely over 6-8 hours—this slow chilling ensures your layers hold together like a dream and the flavors meld irresistibly.
How to Serve Sugar Free Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of extra sugar free whipped topping on each slice adds a final touch of creamy indulgence. You can also top with thinly sliced fresh strawberries for an extra pop of color and freshness that makes the salad look as gorgeous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light, summery dishes like crisp green salads or simple grilled chicken. Since the salad is rich and sweet, serving it alongside something savory and fresh balances the meal perfectly.
Sugar Free Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in clear glasses layered for a casual yet elegant look, or arrange the salad on a bright, decorative platter and slice into perfect squares for a party. You can also add fresh mint leaves around the edges for a refreshing twist and great visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. The salad holds beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen and the textures to stay fresh and inviting. Just remember to bring it back to a cool temperature before serving again.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruit and gelatin layers, this salad is not ideal for freezing. Freezing can alter the texture, particularly of the gelatin and whipped topping, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or well-chilled.
Reheating
This dessert is designed to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, chilling a bit longer in the fridge can help firm up any slices that seem slightly soft from storage or transport.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can provide a wonderful texture and natural sweetness. Just chop them and add them to the gelatin mixture. If fresh strawberries are in season, they make this salad even more vibrant.
Is there a substitute for Stevia in this recipe?
You can replace Stevia with any granulated sugar substitute that measures equally. Just remember that some substitutes may affect texture or flavor slightly, so choose one that you’ve tested before for best results.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free pretzels instead of regular ones to keep the crust crunchy and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long does the Sugar Free Strawberry Pretzel Salad stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh and delicious for up to three days. After that, the crust may begin to soften, but it’s still tasty for a little longer if kept chilled well.
Can I prepare this salad the day before serving?
Yes, and that’s ideal! Making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and the gelatin to set perfectly, ensuring each slice comes out clean and beautiful when served.
Final Thoughts
This Sugar Free Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It brings together textures and flavors in a way that feels indulgent but stays light and fresh, perfect for anyone craving dessert without the extra sugar. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite that gets everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Sugar Free Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
This Sugar Free Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a deliciously refreshing dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust topped with a creamy, sweetened low-fat cream cheese layer and a vibrant strawberry gelatin topping with real fruit. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a classic dessert without the added sugar, it combines sweet and salty flavors with a cool, fruity finish.
Ingredients
Crust
- ¾ cup salted butter (170 grams, melted, about 1½ sticks)
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (120 grams, about 4 cups before crushing)
- 3 tablespoons Stevia (4.5 grams; or 38 grams granulated sugar)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces low fat cream cheese (227 grams)
- ¾ cup Stevia (18 grams; or 150 grams granulated sugar)
- 8 ounces sugar free whipped topping (226 grams)
Gelatin Fruit Topping
- 2 cups water (454 grams)
- 0.6 ounces sugar free strawberry gelatin mix (17 grams; 2 packages)
- 14 ounces frozen strawberries (397 grams, no sugar added)
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple in 100% juice (227 grams, 1 can, drained)
Optional Garnish
- Sugar-free whipped topping for serving
- Sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Make Pretzel Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed pretzels, and 3 tablespoons of Stevia (or sugar) until well mixed.
- Bake Pretzel Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 7-8 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow the crust to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a hand or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the low fat cream cheese with ¾ cup Stevia until smooth and creamy.
- Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the sugar free whipped topping until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Gelatin Mixture: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar free strawberry gelatin mix until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
- Add Fruit to Gelatin: Stir in the frozen strawberries and drained crushed pineapple into the cooled gelatin mixture.
- Top the Salad: Pour the gelatin and fruit mixture gently over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly. Return to the refrigerator and chill for 6-8 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set.
- Serve: Slice the salad into squares and serve chilled, topped with optional sugar-free whipped topping and sliced fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to fully cool the pretzel crust before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting or sogginess.
- Use sugar free gelatin and sweeteners to keep this dessert diabetes-friendly and lower in calories.
- Allowing the gelatin topping to chill overnight ensures the best texture and firmness.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries for frozen if preferred, adjusting chilling time as needed.
