This patriotic red, white and blue pretzel salad will be the star of your 4th of July party. Filled with layers of fresh berries, Jell-O, cheesecake, and piled on a pretzel crust for the ultimate sweet and salty dessert.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter and 3 Tablespoons of sugar until combined. Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow the pretzel crust to fully cool before proceeding.
While the crust is baking, prepare the cream filling. Add the cream cheese and ¾ cup granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until just combined.
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust and place the baking dish into the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
Cover remaining cream cheese mixture and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
While the filling is setting, prepare the blue Jell-o by mixing together half the boiling water and jello powder with a whisk until dissolved. Allow to fully cool.
Place the blueberries over the top of the chilled cream cheese mixture and pour the cooled jello mix over the berries. Return to the refrigerator and chill for 2-4 hours until the blue gelatin is set.
Carefully spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top of the set blue Jell-o. Place back into the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
While the dish is cooling, prepare the raspberry Jell-o by mixing 2 cups of boiling water with the gelatin powder and stirring until dissolved. Allow to fully cool.
Place the raspberries across the top of the cream cheese mixture and pour the cooled raspberry gelatin over the top.
Return the dish to the refrigerator to chill for another 2-4 hours (or overnight) to fully set the top layer of Jell-o.
Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Don't skip cooling the pretzel crust or you risk breaking it apart when you add the cream cheese layer.
Remove reserved cream cheese from the frig about 20 minutes before using to make it easier to spread.
Substitute any flavor of red or blue jello, or even try other flavors. Coordinate the fruit with the jello flavor.
Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften over time.