Description
A delightful and creamy dessert salad combining the crunch of pretzels and pecans with the sweet freshness of strawberries, all layered in a smooth cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture. Perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Crunchy Topping
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
Salad Mixture
- 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
- Prepare the Crunchy Topping: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Pour the melted butter over this mixture and stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Bake the Topping: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely, then break into small pieces to create the crunchy topping.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate this mixture until you are ready to assemble the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, gently fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch into the chilled cream cheese mixture. Transfer the salad to a serving dish, and sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch over the top for extra texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh ripe strawberries and ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
- This salad is best served immediately after assembly to maintain the crunchiness of the topping.
- You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator, but note the pretzel topping may lose some crunch over time.
- Chilling the pretzel mixture before breaking can help achieve nice chunks instead of crumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, strawberry dessert, pretzel salad, creamy dessert, easy dessert recipe
