Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for potlucks or a refreshing dessert, this salad combines fresh strawberries with a buttery pretzel and pecan crust for an irresistible treat.

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 the oven to 400°F and 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.
2. Step 2: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely, then break it into small pieces.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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, sprinkle the remaining crunch on top, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the pecans before mixing to bring out their nuttiness.
• Substitute fresh raspberries or blueberries for strawberries to change up the fruit flavor.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light Cool Whip for a lighter version of this salad.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the pretzel crunch can soften over time, it’s best to keep extra crunch separate and add it just before serving. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the pretzel crunch ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pretzel crunch a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just add it fresh to the salad before serving to keep it crisp.

Is this salad suitable for freezer storage?

Strawberry Crackle Salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the strawberries and Cool Whip can be adversely affected.

Strawberry Crackle Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 54 reviews

Strawberry Crackle Salad is a delightful, no-bake dessert salad featuring a crunchy pretzel and pecan topping combined with creamy sweetened cream cheese and Cool Whip, folded together with fresh strawberries for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This refreshing and easy-to-make recipe is ideal for summer gatherings or potlucks.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crunch 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
• 4 cups sliced strawberries

Instructions

1. Prepare Crunch Topping: 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 all ingredients are well coated and combined.
2. Bake Crunch Topping: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly on 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 on the baking sheet, then break into small pieces for the topping.
3. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated to create a light and fluffy base.
4. Refrigerate: Cover the cream cheese mixture and refrigerate until ready to assemble and serve, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Assemble Salad: Just before serving, fold the sliced strawberries and half of the pretzel crunch topping into the cream cheese mixture. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining pretzel crunch evenly over the top for extra texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately for the best taste and crunch.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to prevent lumps during mixing.
• The pretzel crunch can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container to save time.
• Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans and increase the pretzels accordingly.
• This salad is best served immediately after assembling to maintain the crunchiness of the topping.

Keywords: Strawberry Crackle Salad, dessert salad, pretzel salad, creamy strawberry salad, light dessert, summer salad, potluck recipe, no bake dessert