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Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert with Crunchy Crust

creamy strawberry pretzel salad dessert - featured image
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A delightful dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, a smooth cream cheese middle layer, and a fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for potlucks and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush pretzels finely using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and rolling with a pin.
  2. In a large bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 1 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
  3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool completely for 20-30 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture without deflating it.
  6. Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  7. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries and 1 cup sugar. Cook over medium heat until strawberries release juices and mixture simmers.
  8. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Let cool to room temperature.
  9. Pour the cooled strawberry topping gently over the creamy layer.
  10. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  11. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Bake the pretzel crust to keep it crisp and prevent sogginess. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth filling. Whip cream to stiff peaks but avoid overwhipping. Cook strawberry topping just until thickened for fresh glaze. Chill dessert at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. If crust softens after a day or two, chill in freezer for 5-10 minutes to revive crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, creamy dessert, pretzel crust, strawberry topping, easy dessert, potluck dessert, creamy strawberry dessert

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-strawberry-pretzel-salad-dessert-recipe-with-crunchy-crust-easy-perfect-treat/