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Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars combine a perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity flavors with a crunchy pretzel crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and fresh strawberry topping. This easy-to-make dessert bar is chilled to set and perfect for gatherings or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups pretzels, finely crushed
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks

Strawberry Topping

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush 2 cups of pretzels finely using a food processor or rolling pin inside a sealed bag for a fine texture.
  2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Form and Bake Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to compact it well.
  4. Bake and Cool Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow it to cool completely to ensure firmness.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  6. Fold in Whipped Cream: Separately whip 1 cup heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture without deflating the airiness.
  7. Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese layer over the cooled pretzel crust, then refrigerate to chill while preparing the strawberry topping.
  8. Cook Strawberry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 cup water. Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
  9. Add Strawberries: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the 4 cups of sliced strawberries. Let the mixture cool slightly.
  10. Assemble Strawberry Layer: Spread the slightly cooled strawberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer in the pan.
  11. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  12. Cut and Serve: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges and cut into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy this sweet and salty dessert.

Notes

  • The pretzel crust should be cooled completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting and sogginess.
  • Folding whipped cream gently into the cream cheese ensures a light and fluffy texture.
  • Dipping the knife in hot water before cutting makes slicing the bars easier and cleaner.
  • For best flavor and texture, chill the bars overnight.
  • Fresh strawberries are recommended for optimal taste and presentation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars, Sweet and Salty Dessert, Cream Cheese Bars, Fresh Strawberry Dessert, No Bake Strawberry Bars, Easy Dessert Recipe

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/classic-strawberry-pretzel-salad-bars-recipe/