Description
Sweet and salty strawberry pretzel squares merge creamy cheesecake layers with fresh strawberries and a crunchy pretzel crust. Summer desserts reach delightful heights with this crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to share at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups (226 grams) crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons (37 grams) sugar
Filling:
- 1 package (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whipped topping
Topping:
- 2 packages (85 grams each) strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) boiling water
- 2 packages (454 grams each) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
- Extra whipped topping (optional)
- Extra pretzels (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing for a delectable layered dessert that combines sweet and salty elements.
- Create the pretzel base by thoroughly mixing crushed pretzels with melted butter and sugar, then firmly pressing the mixture into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Bake the pretzel crust for exactly 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Whip together cream cheese, whipped topping, and sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring complete coverage.
- Chill the layered dessert in the refrigerator until the cream cheese layer becomes firm.
- Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, creating a clear liquid base for the fruity topping.
- Add thawed strawberries to the gelatin mixture, creating a vibrant and glossy strawberry layer.
- Refrigerate the strawberry mixture until it begins to set but remains slightly loose.
- Gently pour the partially set strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, taking care to distribute it evenly.
- Return the dessert to the refrigerator and chill for 4-6 hours until completely set and firm.
- When ready to serve, cut into neat squares and optionally garnish with additional whipped topping and crushed pretzels for extra texture.
Notes
- Swap pretzels with gluten-free pretzel crumbs for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
- Reduce sugar content by using low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free whipped topping for a lighter treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Try different berries like raspberries or mixed berries to create unique flavor variations and add exciting color to the dessert.
- Enhance texture by toasting pretzel crumbs briefly before mixing with butter, which will bring out a deeper, nuttier undertone to the crust.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 284
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 238 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 39 mg