Introduction

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and creamy textures. This no-bake dessert features a crunchy pretzel and pecan layer mixed with fresh strawberries and a smooth cream cheese filling, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

A clear glass bowl filled with layers of sliced red strawberries, white whipped cream, and brown crunchy pecans, all mixed together with a wooden spoon visible on the upper right side. The strawberries are fresh and juicy, the whipped cream looks light and fluffy, while the pecans add a textured, nutty top layer that contrasts with the smooth cream and vibrant fruit. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright setting, with some whole strawberries blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your 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 moistened.
Step 2: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and toasted. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely, then break into small pieces.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Step 4: Just before serving, fold sliced strawberries and half of the cooled pretzel crunch into the cream cheese mixture. Transfer to a serving dish, then sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them with the pretzels.
Substitute fresh raspberries or blueberries for strawberries for a different fruity twist.
To make this dessert ahead, store the pretzel crunch separately and fold it in just before serving to keep it crisp.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the pretzel crunch can soften over time, it’s best to add it fresh each time you serve. If needed, gently re-fold in fresh pretzel crunch before serving.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a dessert that has three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of small brown walnut pieces, the middle layer is fluffy and white whipped cream, and the top layer is a generous amount of halved red strawberries and more walnut pieces scattered unevenly. The strawberries have visible seeds and a fresh shine. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially under it, and a woman's hand is reaching from the right side holding a spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this salad?

It’s best to use fresh strawberries since frozen ones release extra moisture that can make the salad watery. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding.

Can I substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?

Yes, homemade whipped cream can be used as a substitute. Make sure it’s stabilized and chilled for best results, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.

Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful layered dessert perfect for any occasion. It features a crunchy pretzel and pecan base baked with brown sugar, combined with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture folded with Cool Whip, and juicy fresh strawberries. This no-bake chilled salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy textures, making it an irresistible treat.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crunchy Base

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

Instructions

Prepare the Crunchy Base: 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 the melted butter and stir until everything is evenly coated and combined.
Bake the Base: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling and golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into small pieces for layering.
Make the Creamy Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated to create a light, fluffy filling.
Assemble the Salad: Before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch pieces into the cream cheese mixture. Transfer to a serving bowl or dish.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch on top of the salad for added texture and crunch. Serve immediately to keep the crunchy topping crisp and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure the pretzel mixture is completely cooled before breaking and folding into the salad to maintain crunch.
This dessert is best served immediately after assembly to keep the pretzel crunch from becoming soggy.
You can substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred.
For easier slicing of strawberries, use fresh and ripe berries.
Keep the salad refrigerated if not serving immediately, but add the crunchy topping right before serving.

Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, pretzel salad, cream cheese salad, dessert salad, holiday dessert