Description
Sweet meets salty in this classic strawberry pretzel salad, blending creamy layers with crunchy pretzel crust and fresh berry goodness. Midwestern comfort dessert promises a delightful balance of textures that will charm guests at potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
Strawberry Topping:
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface.
- Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture becomes cohesive and slightly crumbly.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a compact crust.
- Bake the pretzel crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually fold in powdered sugar, blending until the mixture is light and well-incorporated.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a fluffy and delicate layer.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring complete coverage.
- Refrigerate the layered dessert for approximately 30 minutes to set the cream cheese layer.
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin completely in boiling water, stirring until no granules remain.
- Add cold water to the gelatin mixture and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes without setting.
- Arrange fresh sliced strawberries in an even layer over the chilled cream cheese surface.
- Carefully pour the slightly cooled gelatin over the strawberries, ensuring thorough and uniform coverage.
- Refrigerate the dessert for 3-4 hours or until the gelatin is fully set and firm.
- Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the contrasting textures of crispy pretzel, creamy filling, and fruity topping.
Notes
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting crushed pretzels with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the pretzel crust for deeper, more nuanced taste profiles.
- Stabilize whipped cream layer by using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese, which provides a richer, more luxurious texture and prevents potential separation.
- Control gelatin setting by monitoring water temperature carefully; slightly cooler liquid prevents strawberries from sinking and ensures a perfect, even layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg