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Crispy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert Bars

crispy strawberry pretzel salad dessert bars - featured image
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A refreshing and indulgent summer dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for potlucks and warm days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Crush pretzels finely using a food processor or rolling pin.
  3. In a large bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 1 cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
  4. Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool completely.
  6. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
  7. In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  8. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
  9. Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  10. Combine sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
  11. If desired, heat strawberry juice and stir in cornstarch slurry until thickened. Let cool slightly.
  12. Pour or spoon strawberry mixture evenly over the cream layer.
  13. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  14. Cut into bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices before serving.

Notes

Press the pretzel crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Use cold heavy cream and chilled bowls for better whipping. Chill dessert thoroughly for best texture. Use gluten-free pretzels for gluten-free version and coconut cream for dairy-free adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry dessert, pretzel crust, summer dessert, creamy filling, potluck dessert, easy dessert bars, salty sweet dessert

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-strawberry-pretzel-salad-dessert-bars-easy-recipe-for-perfect-summer-treats/