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Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 118 reviews

Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars offer a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and fresh strawberry topping. This easy no-fuss dessert is perfect for gatherings and can be prepared ahead of time for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups pretzels, finely crushed
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks

Strawberry Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Crush Pretzels: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a food processor or a rolling pin inside a sealed bag, crush 2 cups of pretzels finely until they resemble coarse crumbs.
  2. Prepare Pretzel Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Stir the mixture until it looks like wet sand with ingredients evenly combined.
  3. Form and Bake Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, compacting it using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
  4. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese together with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Whip Cream and Fold In: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep it light and airy.
  6. Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese layer over the completely cooled pretzel crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the strawberry topping.
  7. Cook Strawberry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens to a translucent glaze.
  8. Add Strawberries: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in 4 cups of sliced fresh strawberries. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  9. Top and Chill: Spread the strawberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
  10. Serve: When ready, cut into bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
  • Use fresh strawberries for best results, but frozen can be substituted if thawed and drained well.
  • Chilling the dessert overnight enhances flavor melding and firm texture.
  • For neat slices, wipe the knife clean between cuts and dip it in hot water.
  • This dessert is best served cold and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad bars, sweet and salty dessert, no bake strawberry dessert, pretzel crust dessert, easy strawberry dessert

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/classic-strawberry-pretzel-salad-bars-recipe/