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Strawberry Crackle Salad 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/strawberry-crackle-salad-recipe/