Strawberry Pretzel Dream: Sweet & Salty Perfection
The BEST Strawberry Pretzel Dessert recipe! Sweet, salty, and creamy – this Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get the easy, no-bake recipe now! ... Desserts & Sweets
Recipe Introduction
Ever had that craving for something both sweet and salty? Honestly, me too! That’s when Strawberry Pretzel Dessert comes to the rescue. This recipe is a total game-changer.
Quick Hook
Are you ready for a flavour explosion in your mouth? This Easy Strawberry Pretzel Dessert delivers a delightful mix of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. It's like a party in your mouth.
Brief Overview
This all-american dessert is a staple at picnics and potlucks. it combines a crunchy pretzel crust with a creamy filling and a sweet strawberry topping.
Prep time is about 25 minutes, but allow for chilling time. this strawberry pretzel salad recipe yields 12 servings, perfect for sharing.
Main Benefits
Besides being incredibly delicious, this strawberry pretzel dessert with cream cheese is a total crowd-pleaser. the salty pretzel crust is balanced by the sweetness of the strawberries and cream cheese.
It’s perfect for summer gatherings. you can make this recipe a no bake strawberry pretzel dessert by getting a pre-made pretzel base in order to skip the baking step.
Strawberry Pretzel Dream: Sweet & Salty Perfection Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ready to Pretzel?
Honestly, who can resist a good sweet and salty dessert recipe ? I know I can't! Pretzel Desserts are just the best of both worlds.
Getting Started
Okay, let's talk ingredients. first, you'll need crushed pretzels – about 2 cups. then, butter and sugar for that killer pretzel crust.
Remember that 350° f ( 175° c) is the perfect temperature for your crust.
The Creamy Dream
Next up, the creamy filling. cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream are your heroes here. make sure your cream cheese is softened so it's nice and smooth.
Then for the sweet and fruity end strawberry pretzel salad .
Strawberry Sensation
Finally, the strawberry topping: strawberry gelatin (jell-o) and frozen strawberries. strawberry pretzel is the best for summer. this will be the jello dessert recipes .
Don't let the gelatin set completely before pouring it over the filling.
What's so special about Strawberry Pretzel Squares ?
This recipe is special because it's so easy to customize. add different fruits. use different flavors of gelatin. the possibilities are endless! plus, that sweet and salty combo is simply irresistible.
It brings back memories of childhood picnics and family gatherings. honestly, it's just pure comfort food!
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, so you wanna make this Strawberry Pretzel Dessert magic happen? It all starts with having the right stuff. Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have lurking in your cupboards!
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks with this Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe. Here’s what you need. I'm going to give you both US customary and metric because...well, why not?
Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups (220g) crushed pretzels. Honestly, crush 'em real good.
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar. Just normal, bog-standard sugar.
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks, 170g) melted unsalted butter. Go for good quality butter, it makes a difference.
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened. Philidelphia's the best.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar.
- 12 ounces (340g) heavy cream, cold . Super important that it’s cold.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon salt. You know? Balances the sweetness.
Strawberry Topping:
- 6 ounces (170g) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O). The red stuff!
- 2 cups (473ml) boiling water. Careful now, it's hot!
- 1 (16 ounce, 454g) package frozen strawberries, slightly thawed. I use frozen, honestly. Way easier.
Seasoning Notes: Sweet and Salty Perfection
The key to this recipe is that perfect balance. salt enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and creamy filling. it's all about that sweet and salty dessert recipes vibe.
Use a good quality vanilla extract, the flavour goes a long way. you can use a pinch of salt in the pretzel crust if you want to enhance the flavor even more.
If you fancy a raspberry delight , then substitute for raspberry flavour jell-o.
Equipment You'll Need: Keep it Simple!
Honestly, you don’t need a load of fancy gadgets for this easy strawberry pretzel dessert . Here’s the bare minimum:
- 9x13 inch baking dish. Glass or metal, doesn't really matter.
- Mixing bowls. A couple different sizes is handy.
- Electric mixer. Handheld is fine, don't need a stand mixer.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Pretty obvious.
- Spatula. For scraping, folding, all that jazz.
- Saucepan. Just for boiling water for the jell-o.
If you don't have a fancy electric mixer, a whisk and a bit of elbow grease will do the trick.
A wooden spoon can sub in for the spatula in a pinch. and if you don't have a saucepan, just boil the water in the microwave.
..but be careful! i love a good no bake strawberry pretzel dessert but that pretzel base needs to be baked.
Cooking Method: Nail That Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Alright, love. fancy making something ridiculously moreish? you know, a proper crowd-pleaser? then let's chat strawberry pretzel dessert . honestly, it's a game-changer.
A strawberry pretzel salad recipe is all about contrasts – the salty pretzel crust, the creamy filling, and that sweet strawberry topping.
Absolute heaven!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First things first: gather your troops! we're talking 2 cups crushed pretzels, ¾ cup sugar, ¾ cup melted butter, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar (yes, more sugar!), 12 ounces cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, 6 ounces strawberry gelatin (jell-o), and 2 cups boiling water, plus 16 ounces sliced frozen strawberries.
Get it all prepped, and you will be flying!
Honestly? crush those pretzels finely . i use a food processor. but, you can use a bag and a rolling pin.
Trust me, it makes all the difference. also, make sure you have your 9x13 inch dish ready to go.
Step-by-Step: Let’s Get Cracking
- Crust Time: Mix those crushed pretzels with the sugar and melted butter. Press it into your dish.
- Bake it: Pop that base in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for 10 minutes. You want it lightly golden. Don’t burn it!
- Chill Out: Let it cool completely, then into the fridge for 45 minutes. Crucial, this. Or you may face a melty filling nightmare.
- Cream Dream: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until it's smooth. So smooth it is like silk!
- Whip It: In a separate bowl, whip that heavy cream with the vanilla until you get stiff peaks.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mix.
- Spread the Love: Smooth that filling over the cooled crust. Then, back into the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Strawberry Magic: Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Stir in the slightly thawed strawberries. Let it cool and slightly thicken, about 15- 20 minutes.
- Pour and Pray: Pour that strawberry goodness over the cream cheese layer. Back in the fridge for at least 2 more hours (overnight is even better).
Pro Tips: For a Next-Level Dessert
Want to impress? Don't overbake the crust! A light golden colour is all you need. The perfect Strawberry Pretzel Dessert with Cream Cheese awaits!
Another tip? Make sure that gelatin is slightly thickened before pouring. It stops it from seeping into the cream cheese. We've all been there, haven't we?
Oh, and if you are looking for pretzel desserts you can also make it ahead! just make each layer in stages and then assemble it all before your event.
Easy peasy easy strawberry pretzel dessert !. you can use this for strawberry pretzel squares as well.
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Right, let's dive a bit deeper, shall we? making a strawberry pretzel dessert isn’t rocket science. however, some little extra things can make a big difference.
We are aiming for a great strawberry pretzel salad recipe , so listen up!
Serving Suggestions: Fancy Pants or Down-to-Earth?
Honestly, plating pretzel desserts is a piece of cake. you can just slice it into squares. or be all fancy with a dollop of cream.
A few extra strawberries never hurt anyone. if you want to be properly posh, a glass of bubbly goes down a treat.
Think prosecco or even a crisp white wine.
Storage Tips: Don't Let Your Strawberry Pretzel Dream Turn into a Nightmare!
This strawberry pretzel dream is best eaten fresh. pop it in the fridge. covered, it lasts 3 days . freezing? nah, i wouldn't bother.
It can get a bit soggy. reheating? absolutely not needed! it’s served cold.
Variations: Let's Get Creative with your Strawberry Pretzel Salad!
Fancy mixing it up? you can try using a sugar-free jell-o for a lower sugar version. it might change the taste slightly, but hey, it's worth a go! for a festive twist during christmas, use cranberries instead of strawberries.
It will become a cranberry pretzel dessert, a delicious option of sweet and salty dessert recipes .
Nutrition Basics: Is Strawberry Pretzel Dessert with Cream Cheese actually healthy?
Okay, let's be real. this isn't exactly kale. a slice is roughly 350-400 calories. a good source of joy, though.
Strawberries have some vitamins, so that is a plus, right? it is also a really quick and easy strawberry pretzel dessert , so that is another reason to love it.
So there you have it. all you need to know for a killer no bake strawberry pretzel dessert . don’t be scared to experiment and make it your own.
Get baking, and let me know how it goes. you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this strawberry pretzel dessert ahead of time? It would be perfect for our village fête!
Absolutely! In fact, this strawberry pretzel dessert is best made a day in advance. This allows the gelatin to set completely and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to wow everyone at the fête.
Help! My pretzel crust is rock solid! What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent this next time?
Ah, a common problem! The most likely culprit is overbaking the pretzel crust. Next time, keep a close eye on it and aim for a light golden color – about 8-10 minutes should do the trick. Also, make sure your pretzels are crushed finely; larger pieces tend to create a harder crust.
Is there a lower-fat version of this strawberry pretzel dessert? I'm trying to be a bit healthier, you see.
You can certainly lighten it up a bit! Use a reduced-fat cream cheese and a light whipped topping instead of heavy cream. However, be warned – the texture won’t be quite as rich and creamy. If you want the full monty but without the guilt - maybe just have a smaller slice!
My gelatin layer won’t set! What am I doing wrong when making the strawberry pretzel dessert?
The gelatin layer not setting is usually down to two things. Firstly, ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the boiling water. Secondly, make sure you let the gelatin mixture cool and slightly thicken before pouring it over the cream cheese layer. If it's still too warm, it can melt the cream cheese, preventing it from setting properly!
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen in this strawberry pretzel dessert recipe?
You can use fresh strawberries, but frozen strawberries are often preferred for this recipe. Frozen strawberries release more juice as they thaw, which helps to create a more flavorful gelatin. If you're using fresh strawberries, consider adding a touch more strawberry gelatin powder to compensate for the lack of extra juice.
How long does strawberry pretzel dessert last, and how should I store it?
Properly stored in the fridge, this dessert will happily last for 3-4 days. Cover it tightly with cling film or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. Though, let's be honest, it probably won't last that long – it's usually gone in a flash!
