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Classic Sweet and Salty Strawberry Pretzel Salad Squares

strawberry pretzel salad squares - featured image
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A delightful dessert bar featuring a crunchy salty pretzel crust, a smooth and fluffy cream cheese layer, and a sweet-tart strawberry gelatin topping. Perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 60 grams)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (115 grams)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 grams)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 grams), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml), chilled
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 300 grams)
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (like Jell-O)
  • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
  • 1 cup cold water (240 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush pretzels finely using a food processor or place in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
  3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to create an even layer.
  4. Bake crust for 10 minutes until golden but not browned. Remove and let cool completely.
  5. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
  6. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to cream cheese and mix well.
  7. In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  8. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to keep it light and fluffy.
  9. Spread cream cheese layer evenly over cooled pretzel crust using a spatula.
  10. Dissolve strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until no granules remain.
  11. Add 1 cup cold water to gelatin mixture and stir well.
  12. Arrange sliced strawberries evenly over cream cheese layer.
  13. Carefully pour gelatin mixture over strawberries, covering the fruit.
  14. Refrigerate the pan for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow gelatin to set.
  15. Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Crush pretzels to a coarse, even texture for best crust crunch. Melt butter warm but not hot to avoid cooking sugar. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream. Pour gelatin slowly over strawberries to avoid shifting. Refrigerate overnight for best set and flavor melding. Use gluten-free pretzels and dairy-free substitutes for dietary adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, dessert bars, sweet and salty dessert, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser, layered dessert, pretzel crust, cream cheese dessert

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/classic-sweet-and-salty-strawberry-pretzel-salad-squares-recipe-easy-and-best-dessert-bars/