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Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 136 reviews

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful American dessert salad featuring a crunchy pretzel and pecan crust baked to golden perfection, layered with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture, and topped generously with fresh strawberries. It combines sweet, salty, and fruity flavors with a crunchy and creamy texture that is ideal for a refreshing treat or a potluck dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Topping

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

Filling

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 16 oz Cool Whip

Fruit

  • 4 cups sliced strawberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Pretzel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
  3. Bake Pretzel Mixture: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into small pieces.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until just combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture until you are ready to serve.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, spread the cream cheese mixture in a serving dish or bowl. Top evenly with the sliced strawberries, then sprinkle the cooled pretzel crunch mixture over the top. Optionally, mix some pretzel crunch into the cream layer or reserve extra for garnish.

Notes

  • Ensure the pretzel mixture is completely cooled before breaking into pieces to avoid melting the cream cheese layer when assembling.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
  • This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
  • Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase the pretzels accordingly.

Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, dessert salad, pretzel crust, cream cheese salad, American dessert, strawberry dessert

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