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Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars combine a salty, crunchy pretzel crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer topped with a sweet, fresh strawberry glaze. This easy-to-make dessert offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any special occasion.

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 prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Finely crush 2 cups of pretzels using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and rolling them with a rolling pin until finely crushed but not powdered.
  2. Mix and bake crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to compact it well. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
  3. Prepare cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, fluffy filling.
  4. Assemble cream cheese layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the strawberry topping.
  5. Make strawberry topping: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 cup water. Stir constantly over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil until it thickens and becomes translucent. Remove from heat immediately to avoid over-thickening.
  6. Add strawberries and cool: Stir in the 4 cups of fresh sliced strawberries to the thickened syrup. Let the mixture cool slightly before spreading.
  7. Final assembly and chilling: 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.
  8. Serving: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut the dessert into bars with clean edges. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream to achieve better volume.
  • Crush pretzels finely but avoid turning them into dust to maintain the crust’s texture.
  • Bake and cool the pretzel crust completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent sogginess.
  • Stir the strawberry topping constantly and remove from heat as soon as it thickens to avoid a gummy texture.
  • Use a knife dipped in hot water between cuts to ensure clean slices.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Pretzel Salad, Pretzel Salad Bars, Cream Cheese Dessert, Summer Dessert, Sweet and Salty Bars

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