Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

Introduction

Delicious Strawberry Crackle Salad is a refreshing dessert that combines sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite. It’s perfect for warm days or anytime you want a light, fruity treat with a delightful twist.

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, mix crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until everything is well combined.
2. Step 2: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture is bubbling. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, then break into small pieces.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Step 4: Just before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch into the cream cheese mixture. Transfer to a serving dish, top with the remaining pretzel crunch, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Use fresh blueberries or raspberries for a colorful variation.
• For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted coconut flakes to the pretzel mixture.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the salad.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pretzel crunch separate to preserve its crispness, and add it just before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and pretzel crunch in advance, but combine them with the strawberries and pretzel topping right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. If you use frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the salad soggy.

Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 57 reviews

This Delicious Strawberry Crackle Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dessert salad featuring a sweet and buttery pretzel-pecan crust combined with creamy whipped cream cheese and fresh strawberries. It offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal treat for summer gatherings or potlucks.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust and Topping

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

Salad Filling

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 16 oz Cool Whip (whipped topping)
• 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pretzel Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and evenly coated.
2. Bake and Cool Pretzel Crunch: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mixture is bubbling and fragrant. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. After cooling, break the mixture into small crunchy pieces for topping.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip to create a light, fluffy filling. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the salad.
4. Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch gently into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch on top for added texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp crunchiness.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
• Cool the pretzel mixture completely before mixing with the filling to maintain crunch.
• This salad is best served the same day to keep the pretzel crunch crisp.
• You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the pretzel crunch may soften over time.

Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, Cream Cheese Salad, Pretzel Salad, Dessert Salad, Sweet Salad, Party Salad