The Best Strawberry Pretzel Salad: A Refreshing and Irresistible Delight
If you’re in the mood for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, look no further than the Best Strawberry Pretzel Salad. This delightful dessert is a classic recipe that combines a buttery pretzel crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a layer of juicy strawberries. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a potluck, or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
— Ingredients Needed :
- 6 ounces strawberry jello mix
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups crushed pretzel pieces any shape
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar + 1 tb, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounces whipped topping like Cool Whip
- 1 ½ pounds fresh strawberries hulled and sliced thin
— Preparation :
Preheat oven to 350°F. Set out a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and a mixing bowl. Grease the baking dish and set aside.
In the bowl, mix the strawberry jello with 2 cups boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, crush enough pretzels to fill 2 cups.
You can chop them, place them in a zip bag and beat them with a rolling pin, to quickly pulse them in a food processor. Then chop the pecans.
Place the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, ¼ cup + 1 tb sugar in the baking dish. Pour the melted butter over the top, then toss well to coat the pretzels.
Press the pretzel mixture into a tight even layer and bake for 10 minutes.
Set out a clean mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the cream cheese with the remaining ½ cup sugar, until light and fluffy.
Gently fold in whipped topping until completely smooth and even. Set aside.
Trim the tops off the strawberries, then thinly slice. Separate out one-third of the strawberry slices and finely dice (to fill in the cracks.) Then mix all the berries together.
Once the pretzel layer has cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese filling over it, in an even layer. Spoon the fresh sliced (and diced) strawberries evenly over the cream layer.
Pour the cooled strawberry jello mixture over the fresh strawberry layer. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO USE IT ALL. I usually pour about three-quarters of the liquid jello over the berries, so they are all completely coated in jello, but not floating in it.
This creates a better berry-to-jello ratio, in my humble opinion. (It’s a matter of personal preference, so use as much of the jello as you like.)
Refrigerate until the jello is set, usually 2-3 hours. Cut and serve cold.
— Tips:
- For a slightly different variation, try using different types of Jell-O and fruit combinations. Raspberry Jell-O and frozen raspberries work well in this recipe, as do cherry Jell-O and frozen cherries.
- Make sure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer.
- Use a hand mixer to make the cream cheese layer smooth and creamy.
— Nutrition Information:
While the Best Strawberry Pretzel Salad is undeniably delicious, it’s essential to be aware of its nutritional content. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition information per serving (based on a standard recipe and may vary depending on ingredients and portion size):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories
Fat: 15-20 grams
Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
Protein: 5-8 grams
Fiber: 1-2 grams
Sugar: 20-25 grams
Remember, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. If you’re aiming for a healthier version, you can make some modifications, such as opting for low-fat cream cheese, reducing the sugar content, or even using a sugar substitute.
— Conclusion:
The Best Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a dessert that’s easy to make and always a hit. With its sweet and salty pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and tangy strawberry topping, it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dessert is sure to impress. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
This is an easy one and oh so good.
Try it out and don’t forget to RATE and COMMENT below!
