Comments on: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 12:32:46 +0000

In reply to Becca. Thank you so much for trying my recipe, Becca! I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much! :)

By: Becca

Becca — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:01:47 +0000

You win the day! Thanks for adding the weight to your recipe. I couldn’t figure out how many bags of pretzels I would need for another recipe, this will make it so easy.

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:42:18 +0000

In reply to Kate. Thank you so much for trying my recipe, Kate! I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much! :)

By: Kate

Kate — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:26:47 +0000

This is a fantastic recipe and has become my go-to for gatherings. I consistently get compliments from people saying it’s the best strawberry pretzel salad they’ve ever had, and I share your recipe. Thanks so much!

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:50:21 +0000

In reply to Susan Gillespie. Thank you so much for trying my recipe, Susan! I'm so glad it was such a hit! :)

By: Susan Gillespie

Susan Gillespie — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 15:01:53 +0000

Perfection! Love this dessert! I too am not a fan of jello or cool whip. I added an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to strawberries. Great summer dessert I made it for the 4th of July. I disagree with the comment the crust was too thick. The crust is a perfect balance between crunchy, salty and sweetness. Thank you for this delicious recipe!

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 01:52:45 +0000

In reply to Julie McNeely. Hi Julie! I haven't personally tried it, but I think it should work. The topping may be a little bit softer because the raspberries are a little bit softer. Let me know how it turns out. :)

By: Julie McNeely

Julie McNeely — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:46:32 +0000

Good day Sam, Could I make a Raspberry topping verses the strawberry? Would I use same cooking instructions and use my frozen home grown raspberries in same amounts as strawberries used in recipe? Thank you for creating a recipe without Cool Whip or Jello.....both so very unhealthy? Thank you in advance.

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:09:53 +0000

In reply to Bonnie. Hi Bonnie! All of the parts individually would be good for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. I would give the same timeline if assembled, so 3-5 days total whether you store it in parts or you assemble it. :)

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:10:44 +0000

In reply to Teresa. Hi Teresa! I'm glad you ultimately enjoyed it! This recipe actually does use cornstarch in the strawberry topping already. :)

By: Teresa

Teresa — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:11:16 +0000

Made this for an extended family gathering. Everyone loved it and could not believe you left the jello out!! I followed the recipe exactly and the flavor and presentation was picture perfect. The strawberry topping was just firm enough. I was wondering if you’ve ever tried adding just a tad bit of cornstarch to the strawberry mixture? I did not but I may try it next time just to see how it turns out.

By: Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

Emily @ Sugar Spun Run — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:59:08 +0000

In reply to Linda. Hi Linda! We haven't tried this recipe with Cool Whip to know exactly how much you'd need, but it will likely be more than that. You could probably use a whole 8 oz container. No need to add the vanilla as Cool Whip has a flavoring already.

By: Linda

Linda — Sun, 17 May 2026 19:47:19 +0000

This looks delicious! Unfortunately, though, I can’t digest heavy cream so will need to substitute cool whip. Would I just use one and a half cups of it and add the vanilla extract?

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:02:59 +0000

How far in advance can you make just the topping and how far in advance can you make the entire dessert?

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:08:56 +0000

In reply to Roni. Hi Roni! The pineapple may break the filling. You may want to try it as a separate layer. :)

By: Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

Emily @ Sugar Spun Run — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:46:59 +0000

In reply to Joyce H. We are so happy it was such a hit, Joyce! Thanks for coming back to leave a review--we really appreciate it

By: Joyce H

Joyce H — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 21:51:22 +0000

I made this for coffee hour at church and was excited to see folks going back for seconds. I was nervous about the presentation after cutting so I popped it in the freezer at church for 10 minutes and then cut and served in individual bowls. It worked perfectly and held up well.

Thank you for your creative and fabulous twists on recipes!

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:15:52 +0000

In reply to Jill. That's a bummer, Jill! It's definitely a different animal than the original because the flavors are very real and not artificial. Thank you for your feedback!

By: Jill

Jill — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:44:53 +0000

I made this yesterday and have to say I do not care for it. IMO the topping needs more sweetness (and yes, the strawberries were sweet already). I like the idea of no cool whip and no gelatin (and I don’t care for either of those) but definitely not as good as the one made with both of those ingredients. Disappointed.

By: Roni

Roni — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 01:00:12 +0000

Hello Sam my question is: so do you think it will change the structure of the whipped cream/Cream cheese filling, if i add crushed pineapple to it? I will drain the pineapple before adding it. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:35:22 +0000

In reply to Linda. Hi Linda! It will definitely change the flavor and texture, but I think it could potentially work. Your center layer may be a bit softer.

By: Linda

Linda — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 12:40:07 +0000

Can cool whip be used instead of heavy cream? The cream bothers my stomach. Cream cheese doesn’t,for some weird reason,lol

By: Sam Merritt

Sam Merritt — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:02:39 +0000

In reply to Brenda Zalek. I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much, Brenda! :)

By: Brenda Zalek

Brenda Zalek — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 19:39:19 +0000

I love it it was delicious and easy to make. My friends are asking for the recipe

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 27 May 2025 01:57:03 +0000

In reply to Lynne. Hi Lynne! You can use flour as a substitute here. I would try using 2 tablespoons. It may take a little longer to thicken and, it may make the topping a little "cloudy" but that doesn't change the flavor. :)