Are you craving a delicious and refreshing dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe is a Southern classic, a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and creamy textures that will leave everyone wanting more. It's the perfect homemade treat for potlucks, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight indulgence. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this simple yet elegant dessert! This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, and even experienced cooks will appreciate its delightful simplicity.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed pretzels (about one 11-ounce bag)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries, thawed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until evenly moistened.
- Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
Create the Strawberry Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the thawed strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before pouring evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set completely.
- Once chilled, slice and serve. Enjoy this delicious and easy dessert!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust, use salted pretzels.
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use a high-quality strawberry preserves instead. Just reduce the sugar accordingly.
- To add a bit of extra flavor to the cream cheese layer, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries are all excellent choices.
- Make this ahead of time! It’s even better the next day.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
This Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Its delightful blend of flavors and textures makes it a truly memorable dessert. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to enjoy this Southern Living favorite! Happy baking!