Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy textures that make it a perfect dessert or side dish. With a buttery pretzel and pecan crust, fresh strawberries, and a smooth cream cheese filling, it’s sure to wow your family and friends.

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 your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter until everything is well coated.
2. Step 2: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mixture is bubbling and fragrant. Remove from oven and let it cool completely, then break it into small pieces.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate this mixture until you are ready to assemble the salad.
4. Step 4: Just before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch into the cream cheese mixture. Transfer to a serving dish, then sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch on top. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them with the pretzels and brown sugar.
• Use fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries as a substitution or addition to the strawberries for a mixed berry version.
• Prepare the pretzel crunch and cream cheese mixture a day ahead and store separately to keep the crunch intact until serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pretzel crunch will soften over time, so for best results, store the pretzel topping separately and add just before serving. Reheat is not recommended, as this salad is best served cold and fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the pretzel crunch and cream cheese mixture ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Combine with strawberries and pretzel crunch just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

What can I substitute for Cool Whip?

If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream or heavy cream whipped to soft peaks as a substitute for Cool Whip to keep the salad light and creamy.

Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 67 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and crunchy textures featuring a creamy cream cheese and Cool Whip base, fresh sliced strawberries, and a deliciously baked pretzel and pecan topping. This no-bake dessert salad delivers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness with a satisfying crunch, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a refreshing treat any time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crumble Topping

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted

Salad Base

• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare and Bake the Topping: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is well combined. Spread this mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until bubbling and golden. Remove from oven and let it cool completely, then break into small pieces for topping.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated and smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.
3. Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch topping into the chilled cream cheese mixture, blending gently to combine. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch over the top for added texture and presentation. Serve immediately to maintain the crunchy topping.

Notes

• Serve immediately after adding the pretzel topping to enjoy the crunch at its best.
• You can prepare the crumble topping and the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• For a nut-free version, omit pecans and increase crushed pretzels accordingly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, dessert salad, pretzel salad, cream cheese salad, sweet salad, potluck dessert, no bake dessert