Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful dessert combining sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite. With fresh strawberries, a creamy filling, and a buttery pretzel topping, it’s a refreshing treat perfect for any gathering.

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

1. 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 coated.
2. Step 2: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the topping is bubbling. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, then break into small pieces.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined. Cover the mixture and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Step 4: Just before serving, fold sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel topping into the chilled cream cheese mixture. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle the remaining crunch on top, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Prepare the pretzel topping and cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store separately to keep the crunch fresh until serving.
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Substitute fresh blueberries or raspberries for strawberries for a different berry twist.
• Use light Cool Whip or Greek yogurt for a lighter version of this salad.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the crunch, keep the pretzel topping separate and add just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as the texture will change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Frozen strawberries tend to be watery when thawed, which may affect the texture of the salad. It’s best to use fresh strawberries for optimal flavor and consistency.

How early can I prepare this dessert before serving?

You can prepare the pretzel topping and cream cheese mixture up to a day in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers. Combine with strawberries and the topping just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel and pecan topping baked to perfection, combined with a creamy sweetened cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture, and fresh sliced strawberries for a refreshing, sweet, and tangy treat. This no-bake salad is perfect for quick gatherings and potlucks, offering a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and fruity textures.

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Ingredients

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Topping

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted

Filling

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 16 oz Cool Whip

Fruit

• 4 cups sliced strawberries

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pretzel Topping: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Pour in melted butter and mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
2. Bake the Crunch: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, break into small, crunchy pieces.
3. Make the Creamy Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined and light.
4. Assemble the Salad: Cover the cream cheese mixture and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel topping into the cream cheese mixture to maintain crunch and flavor throughout.
5. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining pretzel topping on top for extra texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of creamy and crunchy textures.

Notes

• For maximum crunch, serve the salad immediately after adding the pretzel topping.
• You can prepare each component ahead of time and store them separately: bake the pretzel topping, chill the cream cheese filling, and slice the strawberries; then combine just before serving.
• To keep the topping crunchy longer, avoid mixing it in too early or keep part of it reserved for garnish.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, pretzel salad, creamy dessert, no-bake dessert, potluck recipe, easy strawberry recipe