Strawberry Mascarpone Pretzel Salad in a Jar is a fun and delicious twist to the retro Strawberry Pretzel Salad that has been popular since the 1960’s.
With its sweet and salty pretzel crust, creamy filling, and strawberry topping, this layered dessert is always a favorite at potlucks, cook-outs, and family gatherings.
Making it in individual jars adds a special touch and makes it easy to serve, transport, and enjoy. It’s a perfect summertime dessert that’s both beautiful and refreshing.
I recently ran across a vintage strawberry cake stand that my mother had given me years ago and it brought back many sweet memories. It inspired me to start making all kinds of strawberry recipes again.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is one of my husband’s favorite desserts, so I decided to try a version using mascarpone cheese instead of the traditional cream cheese. We still love the classic version, but this one is delicious and fun to serve in the jars.
Last year I purchased these small jars with lids at Wal-Mart, and have used them so many times. They made it so easy to transport my dessert to a cookout.
Some other delicious recipes I made with the strawberries were Strawberry Crepes,
STRAWBERRY MASCARPONE BREAKFAST RING
PUNCH BOWL CAKE CUPS
MINI STRAWBERRY PIES
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY MASCARPONE PRETZEL SALAD IN A JAR
INGREDIENTS
(Full list of ingredients and instructions in printable recipe card.)
pretzels
sugar
butter
mascarpone cheese
confectioner sugar
vanilla extract
dream whip
milk
strawberry flavor Jello
water
frozen strawberries
sliced fresh strawberries for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
The size of the jar will determine the exact measurements.
Prepare the pretzel crust and place about 2 heaping tablespoon in bottom of each jar. Slightly press down with your fingers. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.
Mix an envelope of *DREAM WHIP as directed on the package. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the strawberry layer
Combine the Jello with hot water and frozen strawberries as in directions. Chill until starting to set.
Make the mascarpone filling
Mix together mascarpone cheese, confectioner sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
To fill the jars, add mascarpone cheese layer over the crust.
Top with Jello layer, then, with Dream Whip and a fresh strawberry.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Place the lid on jar when ready to transport.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Mascarpone Pretzel Salad in a Jar
- This is a perfect summertime dessert because it is refreshing, cute and delicious.
- Created in a jar with a lid makes it portable, it can be placed in a cooler on ice, and individual servings of any dessert are always a big hit.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- These jars (glass and plastic) can be purchased at grocery stores, craft stores, Walmart, Michaels or Amazon. The plastic jars would be easier to transport the dessert.
- You can use mascarpone cheese or cream cheese in the recipe.
- Gluten free pretzels can be used
- Substitute Cool-Whip or homemade whipped topping for Dream Whip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store these jars once created?
Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If you are taking these to a cook-out, place in a cooler with ice.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made several hours or 1 day ahead of time. They are best served within 2 days.
This recipe was shared on Weekend Potluck @Sweet Little Bluebird
This recipe was reviewed and no changes made 4/28/26.
STRAWBERRY MASCARPONE PRETZEL SALAD IN A JAR
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups salted pretzels crushed
- 4 Tablespoons sugar
- 8 Tablespoons butter melted
- 8 oz container mascarpone cheese room temp (prefer BelGioioso)
- 1/2 cup confectioner sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 envelope Dream Whip
- 1/2 cup cold milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 6oz Package strawberry flavored gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 16oz package frozen sliced strawberries
- fresh strawberries for garnish
- 4 10oz ovenproof jars
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium size bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, sugar, and butter. Stir with a fork to combine well. Divide the mixture evenly between the jars, about 2 heaping Tablespoons in each. Press down only slightly with fingers. Arrange the jars on a baking sheet. Bake for 6 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- In a medium size bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, confectioner sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the Dream Whip, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until peaks form, about 4 minutes. Cover and place in refrigerator.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gelatin and water until it is dissolved. Stir in the frozen strawberries. Place in refrigerator about 10-15 minutes, until it starts to set.
- To fill the jars, evenly divide the mascarpone filling over the pretzel crusts.Using the back of a teaspoon, spread it carefully over the pretzels. Next add an even amount of the gelatin and strawberries. (You may not use all of this mixture) Return to the refrigerator for about an hour, Top with the Dream Whip, divided evenly between the jars, and garnish with a few strawberry slices just prior to serving or getting ready to add a lid and transport.
Notes
- These jars can be purchased at grocery stores, craft stores, Walmart, Michaels or Amazon. I have even seen plastic Mason jars if you would rather transport the dessert in them instead of glass.
- You can use mascarpone cheese or cream cheese in the recipe.
- Gluten free pretzels can be used in the recipe.
- Dream Whip can be replaced with Cool-Whip or a homemade whipped topping if desired.
I’ve never had strawberry pretzel salad but it sure looks good – and very refreshing!
Thank you. It is refreshing, but when made in a 9×13 pan it gets so messy and melts everyplace after the first couple pieces are cut. I have also made it in small, clear, plastic disposable glasses for parties and it turns out good that way too.