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Perfect Red White and Blue Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert

red white and blue strawberry pretzel salad dessert - featured image
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A simple, fun, and festive strawberry pretzel salad dessert featuring a crunchy salty pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and bright red strawberry topping. Perfect for patriotic occasions and summer parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 60g)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 600g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand.
  2. Pour the pretzel mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Press firmly and evenly across the bottom.
  3. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until buttery and slightly toasted. Remove and let cool completely.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix again.
  5. In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to keep it light and fluffy.
  7. Spread cream cheese layer evenly over cooled pretzel crust. Smooth the top and chill in fridge.
  8. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well before heating.
  9. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and glossy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Optionally strain through a fine mesh sieve.
  10. Spoon cooled strawberry topping evenly over cream cheese layer. Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
  11. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Ensure the pretzel crust is fully cooled before spreading the cream cheese layer to avoid sogginess. Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours for best flavor and texture. Use gluten-free pretzels or crackers for a gluten-free version. Substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July dessert, easy summer dessert, red white and blue dessert, pretzel crust dessert

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/perfect-red-white-and-blue-strawberry-pretzel-salad-dessert-recipe-easy-homemade-patriotic-treat/