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Easy Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe Perfect for Summer Parties

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A layered dessert combining a crunchy salty pretzel crust, creamy sweet cream cheese layer, and fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for summer parties and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces, finely crushed but not powdery)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups crushed pretzels, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter. Stir well until evenly moistened and crumbly.
  3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed glass.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and continue beating until creamy.
  6. Fold in 2 cups thawed whipped topping gently with a spatula to keep it light and airy.
  7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Smooth the top and refrigerate while preparing the strawberry topping.
  8. In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 cup water. Stir over medium heat until thickened and clear (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  9. Add 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries to the thickened mixture and stir gently to coat. Let cool to room temperature.
  10. Spread the cooled strawberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer. Optionally, garnish with whole strawberries.
  11. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let layers set and flavors meld.

Notes

Cool the pretzel crust completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting. Crush pretzels finely but not into dust to avoid a gummy crust. Fold whipped topping gently into cream cheese to keep it airy. Cook strawberry topping just until thickened to avoid gummy or watery texture. Chill dessert uncovered for an hour before covering to reduce moisture and keep crust crisp. Can be made a day ahead for best flavor.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/easy-creamy-strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-parties/