Attention strawberry lovers: master the art of strawberry pretzel salad with fresh berries

Strawberry pretzel salad is a classic dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries, salty pretzels, and a creamy whipped topping. It’s a refreshing and delicious treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the simple steps on how to make strawberry pretzel salad with fresh strawberries.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup pretzel sticks, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Whipped Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

#1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine crushed pretzels and melted butter in a medium bowl.
3. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

#2. Make the Strawberry Layer

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened and bubbly.
4. Set aside to cool slightly.

#3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream.
3. Beat until well combined.

#4. Assemble the Salad

1. Spread the pretzel crust with the cooled strawberry layer.
2. Top with the cream cheese layer.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

#5. Make the Whipped Topping

1. In a clean bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

#6. Finish the Salad

1. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
2. Garnish with additional sliced strawberries, if desired.

#7. Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips

• For a sweeter salad, add more sugar to the strawberry layer.
• For a tangier salad, add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberry layer.
• If you don’t have time to bake the pretzel crust, you can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs instead.
• To make a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and whipped cream.

Conclusion

Making strawberry pretzel salad with fresh strawberries is a simple and rewarding process. With its combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, it’s a dessert that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. So gather your ingredients, follow these instructions, and enjoy this summery treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

Q: How long will the salad keep in the refrigerator?
A: The salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make the salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the salad up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.