Name: Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed pretzels; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup butter, melted; 4 cups sliced strawberries; 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 16 oz Cool Whip

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Introduction

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy flavors perfect for gatherings or a refreshing dessert. With a crispy pretzel and pecan base, fresh strawberries, and a smooth cream cheese topping, this salad is sure to impress your guests in just 30 minutes.

The dish is shown in a white bowl sitting on a white marbled surface. It has multiple layers starting with a thick, fluffy layer of white whipped cream at the base. On top of this, there are bright red, sliced strawberries spread evenly, some partially submerged in the cream. Scattered around and slightly mixed in on the top layer are shiny brown pecans adding a crunchy texture. The strawberries are glossy with a hint of syrup, giving them a fresh and juicy look. In the background, there is a wooden utensil partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups crushed pretzels
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, melted
4 cups sliced strawberries
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
16 oz Cool Whip

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is evenly combined.
Step 2: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling. Allow it to cool completely, then break into small pieces for the topping.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined. Cover the mixture and refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.
Step 4: Just before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch into the cream cheese mixture. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch on top, and serve immediately for the best texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before mixing with pretzels and brown sugar.
Substitute strawberries with fresh blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light Cool Whip to make a lighter version without sacrificing taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the pretzel topping, the salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the crunch. If stored, the topping may soften, but gently stirring before serving can help revive some texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a layered dessert starting with a base layer of whipped cream that is soft and white, topped with a thick layer of bright red sliced strawberries that are shiny and fresh. There is another layer of whipped cream mixed in between the strawberries, visible as creamy white patches. The top layer is covered with pecans that have a rich brown color and a crunchy texture, scattered unevenly over the strawberries and cream. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, parts of a wooden spoon and some strawberry tops are slightly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and pretzel topping separately ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad and add fresh strawberries just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.

What can I use if I don’t have Cool Whip?

You can replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream or another whipped topping, but the texture and sweetness might vary slightly. Make sure to fold gently to keep the mixture light and airy.