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Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Delight

Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Delight - featured image

A quick and easy summer dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a light creamy layer, and fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for last-minute gatherings and crowd-pleasing occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 oz)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Crush pretzels finely using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and rolling with a rolling pin.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
  3. Transfer the pretzel mixture to a 9×13 inch pan. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom to form a compact crust.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes until set and golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  5. In a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth with an electric mixer, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
  7. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula.
  9. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate while preparing the strawberry topping.
  10. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  11. Remove from heat and stir in sliced strawberries.
  12. Let the strawberry mixture cool slightly, then spoon evenly over the creamy layer.
  13. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
  14. For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Serve chilled.

Notes

Ensure the pretzel crust cools completely before adding the creamy layer to prevent sogginess. Whip cream to stiff peaks but avoid overwhipping. Fold whipped cream gently into cream cheese mixture to maintain light texture. Chill dessert for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry dessert, pretzel crust, creamy dessert, summer dessert, easy dessert, potluck dessert, layered dessert