Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Sensation Recipe

Sweet & Crunchy Strawberry Pretzel Delight Recipe

Sweet and salty collide in this mouthwatering strawberry pretzel delight recipe that dances between creamy, crunchy, and fruity textures.

Layers of buttery crushed pretzels form a perfectly crisp foundation for the dessert.

The middle cream cheese layer melts smoothly across your palate with irresistible richness.

Fresh strawberries crown this dessert, adding vibrant color and tangy freshness to each delectable bite.

Summer gatherings or casual weekend treats become extraordinary with this showstopping dessert.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to wow everyone at the table with this simple yet stunning strawberry sensation.

Tools That Make Strawberry Pretzel Easy

  • Essential for creating the perfect layered dessert.
  • Medium Bowl: Ideal for mixing pretzel crust ingredients thoroughly.
  • Small Saucepan: Perfect for cooking strawberry topping and releasing juices.
  • Electric Mixer: Crucial for whipping cream and beating cream cheese to smooth consistency.
  • Spatula: Great for folding whipped cream and spreading layers evenly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for precise ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Helpful for stirring strawberry mixture while cooking.

How to Layer Strawberry Pretzel Just Right

  • Pretzel Base

Crush pretzels into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter and sugars. Press the mixture into a baking pan, creating a crispy foundation for the dessert. Bake until golden and let cool completely.

  • Strawberry Sauce

Simmer fresh strawberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Cook until the mixture thickens and develops a rich, glossy texture. Allow the sauce to cool and develop intense fruity flavors.

  • Creamy Layer

Whip cream cheese with sweetness until silky smooth. Fold in whipped cream to create a light, airy filling that will sit atop the pretzel crust. Spread evenly, creating a cloud-like surface.

  • Final Assembly

Gently pour the cooled strawberry sauce over the cream layer. Refrigerate the dessert, allowing flavors to meld and the texture to set. Chill for several hours until firm and ready to serve.

Tips to Adjust Strawberry Pretzel Flavors

  • Replace with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a fresh twist on this classic dessert. Each fruit brings its unique flavor profile and vibrant color.
  • Mix crushed pecans or almonds with pretzel crumbs to add extra texture and nutty depth to the base layer. The added crunch will elevate the entire dessert experience.
  • Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a healthier version. This substitution cuts calories without sacrificing creamy richness.
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream dollops before serving. These simple additions transform the dessert into a stunning presentation.
  • Substitute pretzel crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive guests.

Present Strawberry Pretzel Beautifully

  • Serve Chilled and Fresh: Bring this delightful dessert straight from the refrigerator to the table, ensuring maximum flavor and perfect texture.
  • Garnish with Style: Sprinkle extra crushed pretzels or fresh strawberry slices on top for a beautiful and crunchy presentation.
  • Pair with Complementary Treats: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the dessert's creamy richness.
  • Create Individual Portions: Use small mason jars or dessert glasses to transform this recipe into elegant single-serve delights for parties or gatherings.

Keep Strawberry Pretzel Ready to Enjoy

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store this delightful dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain the creamy texture and keeps strawberry layers fresh and vibrant.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the original taste and smooth consistency.
  • Slice with Precision: Use a sharp, clean knife dipped in hot water between cuts for clean, picture-perfect slices. Wipe the blade after each slice to ensure beautiful presentation every time.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Keep the pretzel base crispy by adding a thin layer of cream cheese mixture directly onto the crust before adding strawberry topping. This creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture from making the pretzels soft and mushy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 13

Strawberry Pretzel Ingredient

For Crust:
  • Pretzels: Provides a salty, crunchy base with a delightful textural contrast to the creamy filling.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor for a golden, crispy foundation.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps create a caramelized, slightly sticky crust texture.
For Filling:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light, airy texture and adds luxurious richness to the dessert.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the whipped cream for a smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds tangy depth and creates a velvety, luxurious base for the filling.
For Strawberry Topping:
  • Strawberries: Brings vibrant, fresh fruity flavor and natural sweetness to the dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of strawberries and helps create a glossy sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture for a perfect, spoonable consistency.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and helps prevent browning of the strawberries.
  • Butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps smooth out the strawberry sauce.
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Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Sensation Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Sensation Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy strawberry pretzel delight merges salty and sweet flavors in a classic dessert. Layers of cream cheese, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries create a perfect summer treat that delights all who taste it.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 2.25 cups finely crushed pretzels (approx. 5.5 cups whole pretzels)
  • 0.75 cup salted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 tbsp butter, salted or unsalted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize pretzels and combine with melted butter and sugars, pressing the mixture compactly into a 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake at 375°F for 12 minutes until golden, then cool completely.
  2. Strawberry Sauce Creation: In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, half the strawberries, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a thick, jammy consistency. Remove from heat, fold in remaining strawberries and butter, then allow to cool to room temperature.
  3. Cream Filling Development: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until peaks form. Simultaneously, beat cream cheese with granulated sugar until silky smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture, ensuring a uniform, airy texture.
  4. Layering and Chilling: Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel crust, then top with the cooled strawberry sauce. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
  5. Serving Technique: For pristine slices, briefly freeze the dessert for 10-30 minutes before cutting and presenting this luscious strawberry pretzel delight.

Notes

  • Crush Pretzels Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine crumbs for an even, crispy crust base.
  • Control Strawberry Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly to achieve a thick, jam-like texture without burning, stirring continuously for best results.
  • Whip Cream Carefully: Ensure heavy cream is cold and use chilled mixing bowl to create stable, glossy peaks that won’t deflate quickly.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate overnight to allow layers to set and flavors to develop, creating a more harmonious and delicious dessert.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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