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Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/strawberry-crackle-salad-recipe/