Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful mix of sweet, crunchy, and creamy flavors perfect for gatherings or a refreshing dessert. Its combination of pretzel crunch, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream makes it both unique and irresistible.

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.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely, then break into small pieces.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
6. Step 6: Just before serving, fold in the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining crunch on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the full contrast of textures.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase the pretzel quantity slightly.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Try adding other fresh fruits like blueberries or sliced bananas for variety.
• If Cool Whip isn’t available, whipped cream can be used as a substitute but may alter the texture slightly.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the pretzel crunch, the salad is best enjoyed fresh as the crunchy texture softens over time. If possible, keep the pretzel topping separate and add just before serving to maintain crispness.

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 ahead, but combine the strawberries and pretzels just before serving to keep the texture fresh and crunchy.

Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones?

Using frozen strawberries is not recommended as they release excess moisture when thawed, which can make the salad watery.

Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 63 reviews

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel and pecan topping, creamy sweetened cream cheese mixed with Cool Whip, and fresh sliced strawberries. This sweet and salty treat offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crunchy 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
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 16 oz Cool Whip

Fruit

• 4 cups sliced strawberries

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Crunchy Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Bake the Topping: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mixture is bubbling and golden. Once done, allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet, then break it into small pieces to create the crunch.
4. Prepare the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is fully combined and fluffy.
5. Combine and Chill: Cover the cream cheese mixture and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble the salad. This helps it set and enhances the flavors.
6. Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the cooled pretzel crunch into the cream cheese mixture, folding gently to combine without crushing the fruit or toppings.
7. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, then sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch on top for a crunchy garnish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with additional pretzels.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
• This salad is best served fresh as the pretzel topping may soften if refrigerated too long after assembling.
• You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for variety.

Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, pretzel salad, creamy fruit salad, dessert salad, easy dessert