I love this recipe and I used Light Butter and Splenda with the pretzels; reduced fat (not fat-free) cream cheese, fat free cool whip and splenda for the 2nd layer, and sugarfree jello! YUMMMY!!! Had no problems with consistency. Very happy with how it turned out....and since I'm watching sugars and fats, this was a definite treat!!!!

Do you drain the strawberries and has anyone used fresh?

My version of the recipe also includes a small can of crushed, drained pineapple with the strawberries, which I wait to put in until the jello is set just enough to be scoopable. My nieces, nephews and kids insist that I make it for my family's Christmas gathering and any other time we're all getting together. (It tastes no different, by the way, if you use the low-fat or fat-free versions of the dairy products

Just got done with a work potluck/awards luncheon. I brought this in and it was a surefire success. It is a friend's recipe. We always call it "Cindy's Dessert" since we got it from our good friend Cindy. It is so . . . good. I love the salty sweet pretzel layer with the rich cream cheese/whipped cream and the tangy strawberries. It is a similar contrast of flavors as to strawberry shortcake. It's a wonderful Summer dish. It does take a little time. What we do with 'Cindy's Dessert' is cool the cream cheese layer in the frige as well to help it set. I like the modifications -- cinnamon to the crust, zeal to the cheese layer and trying it with different jello flavors. All great ideas! :)

I have been making this dessert for many years and it is the best! It is always a hit when I bring it for dessert. And so easy. Also, I always use fresh strawberries. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

I added some lemon zest to the second layer and it was fantastic!

Great recipe just one tip, DO NOT use light ingredients, like cool whip, it will be watery and will not have enough consistency. Don't worry about the calories, is not worth it

Just a tip, make the Jell-O first using the quick prepare method on back of package (using ice) and prepare the rest after. And after baking the first layer, place in freezer for 5 minutes, then put the second layer on and place in freezer for 10-15 minutes (to help solidify the layer to keep the jello layer from mixing) then add last layer. All this saves time

I like to use all graham crackers instead of the pretzels and the marshmallow tip is great.

I love this recipe!! I added grahram cacker crumbs and less pretzels on the first layer. Also added yogurt on the 2nd layer, and experimented with different jello flavors! Yum!! :)

I have been making and eating this recipe for over 40 yrs. Make it better by adding 1 tsb cinnamon to 1st layer. Then add 1 or 1.5 cups mini marshmallows, depending on your personal preference to the second layer. This really seals the layers from getting soggy. Really good!