Strawberry Pretzel Salad Rice Krispy Treats

There are some desserts, casseroles, sides dishes, etc that are just so dated, wouldn't you agree?

Molded Jellos. I mean, I like my jello as much as the next person, but I can't think of the last time I saw someone bringing jello in the shape of a flower to Sunday dinner.
Meatloaf. I still see meatloaf every now and then, but still, I'm pretty sure it's prime was sometime during the 50s and 60s.
Tuna casserole. Maybe it's just because my husband doesn't like it, but to me this is definitely a retro dish.

I could keep going really. But let me just end it with this one: Strawberry Pretzel Salad. If this dessert isn't a throwback to earlier days  I don't know what is.

As dated as it seems though, I think whoever originally created this combo was quite avante guard. Because seriously, aren't chefs today all about mixing salty and sweet flavors? Creamy and crunchy textures? Getting that perfect combination for your palate? I'm pretty sure every episode of Chopped the judges comment that one of the desserts was a little too sweet and needed a better balance of flavors. (which as a side note I don't believe is possible. It's dessert. Hello? The point is for it to be as indulgently sweet as possible....honestly. Who are these judges anyways?)

Anyhoo, my point is this dessert was really on to something. And despite the fact that you rarely see it anymore, I think it's a winner that needs to be showcased in a rice krispy treat.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Rice Krispy Treats

Pretzel Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely crushed pretzels
1/2 teaspoon salt
9 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons ice cold water

Cream Cheese Krispy Layer:
2 Tbsp butter
3 cups marshmallows
1 3.4 oz package cream cheese Pudding Mix
3 cups rice krispies

Strawberry Krispy Layer:
2 Tbsp butter
3 cups strawberry marshmallows
3 cups cups rice krispies

Pretzel Crust Layer:
Combine the flour, pretzels, salt, and butter until texture is crumbly. Add water and mix well. Press into a 9x9 pan, poke with fork and bake for 12 minutes at 425 degrees. Cool completely.


Cream Cheese Krispy Layer:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low and add the marshmallows and stir until they are mostly all melted. Add in the dry pudding mix. Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispies. Stir lightly to combine. Dump on top of pretzel crust and lightly press down.


Strawberry Krispy Layer:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low and add the marshmallows and stir until they are all melted. Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispies. Stir lightly to combine. Dump on top of cream cheese layer and lightly press down. Allow to cool about 20 minutes and enjoy!


** If you can't find strawberry marshmallows, you can use regular marshmallows and add 3 Tbsp of dry strawberry jello mix instead.