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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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