Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Delight
A delightful dessert combining a salty pretzel crust, a creamy cream cheese layer, and a fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 60 grams)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (85 grams)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225 grams)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (125 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (about 240 ml)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 600 grams)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (16 grams)
- 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- Crush the pretzels into fine crumbs (about 2 cups). In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until evenly combined and clumps slightly when pressed.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish using the back of a measuring cup for an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula, taking care not to deflate it. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir over medium heat until thickened and clear, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sliced strawberries. Let cool slightly.
- Spread the strawberry topping evenly over the creamy layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to set completely.
- Serve chilled. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
Ensure the pretzel crust is fully cooled before adding the creamy layer to keep it crisp. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean slices. For gluten-free, substitute pretzels with gluten-free options. Homemade whipped cream can replace whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/12th of
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 3
Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, creamy dessert, easy dessert, potluck dessert, pretzel crust, strawberry topping, cream cheese dessert