Get ready to revolutionize your dessert game with a mind-blowing treat that will make your taste buds dance! This Strawberry Pecan Pretzel Salad is not your ordinary dessert – it's a magical combination of crunchy pretzels, creamy cheese, sweet strawberries, and nutty pecans that will have everyone begging for your recipe. Imagine a dessert that perfectly balances salty and sweet, with a texture so irresistible you'll be dreaming about it long after the last bite. Whether you're hosting a summer party or looking for a show-stopping dessert, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- Pretzel sticks
- Butter, melted
- Brown sugar
- Strawberries, sliced
- Pecan halves
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, crush pretzel sticks into small pieces, leaving some larger chunks for texture.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar with crushed pretzels until evenly coated.
- Spread pretzel mixture onto prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Remove pretzel mixture from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Layer the dessert in a clear serving dish: first spread the cooled pretzel mixture as the base.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel layer.
- Top with fresh sliced strawberries and pecan halves.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy textures.
Tips
- Pretzel Perfection: When crushing pretzels, aim for a mix of small pieces and some larger chunks to create an interesting texture. This ensures every bite has the perfect crunch.
- Baking Tip: Watch your pretzels carefully while baking. They can quickly go from golden to burnt, so stir them halfway through and keep an eye on the color.
- Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Chill Factor: Refrigerating the dessert for at least an hour is crucial. This allows the flavors to meld and helps the layers set properly.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and appearance.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Serving Suggestion: Use a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers of this stunning dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
