Valentine’s Day calls for a dessert that’s both sweet and memorable, and this Strawberry Pretzel Cake fits the bill perfectly.
A perfect blend of a buttery pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese filling, and a bright strawberry topping, it’s a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and creamy that’ll make anyone’s heart skip a beat.
Whether you’re celebrating with a cozy dinner for two or serving a special treat for family and friends, this cake will bring a little extra love to the occasion.
It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent without being overly complicated, making it ideal for a Valentine’s Day celebration.
Pair it with a savory dish like Buffalo Chicken Pasta or a light, fresh Pasta Salad for a full meal that’s sure to impress.
I first made this cake for a summer gathering, and since then, it’s become a favorite—now I’m sharing it for Valentine’s Day because it’s just that good.
The combination of salty pretzels and sweet strawberries is nostalgic yet unique, making it feel like a modern twist on classic strawberry shortcake.
Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can focus on the fun of the day without spending hours in the kitchen!
What’s So Great About This Dish?
- The Perfect Sweet-Salty Balance: Buttery pretzel crust meets a creamy, dreamy filling and fresh strawberry topping.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, so it’s stress-free when entertaining.
- Summer Vibes: It’s light, refreshing, and loaded with the season’s best flavors.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a barbecue or brunch, this cake is guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear.
Strawberry Pretzel Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 13 x 9″ baking dish
- Rolling pin or meat mallet
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spoon
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 3/4 cup butter melted
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz. frozen whipped topping * thawed
Strawberry Layer:
- 2 – 3 oz. boxes strawberry gelatin or 1 – 6 oz. box
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° and spray a 13 x 9″ baking dish.
- Crush pretzels in a sealed bag (use a meat mallet or rolling pin) and mix with brown sugar.
- Stir in melted butter and press mixture into the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth, then fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over cooled crust.
- In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water, then stir in sliced strawberries. Refrigerate until slightly set.
- Pour gelatin mixture over cream cheese layer, spreading strawberries evenly. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Optional: Garnish with whipped topping, extra strawberries, and/or pretzels.
Nutrition
Try More Delicious Strawberry Recipe!
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Strawberry Bread Pudding Souffle
- Strawberry Scones
- Strawberry Mignonette
- Strawberry Milk
