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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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