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Easy No-Bake Patriotic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert Recipe for Summer Parties

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A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and fresh strawberry topping, perfect for summer parties and patriotic celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Crush 2 cups of pretzels finely using a food processor or place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Stir until well combined.
  3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to set the crust, then remove and let cool completely. Alternatively, chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set without baking.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  6. In a separate chilled bowl, whip 2 cups cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, making sure not to deflate the airiness.
  8. Spread this cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  9. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Add 1/2 cup water and whisk until smooth.
  10. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
  11. Remove from heat and stir in 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries.
  12. Let the strawberry mixture cool for 10-15 minutes before spreading it evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  13. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.
  14. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if crust is too soft.

Notes

For a crunchier crust, bake the pretzel crust before adding the cream cheese layer. If skipping baking, chill crust for at least 30 minutes. Let cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing for smooth texture. Stir strawberry topping constantly to avoid lumps. Chill dessert overnight for best flavor and texture. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels or crushed nuts. For vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, strawberry pretzel salad, summer dessert, patriotic dessert, easy dessert, pretzel crust, cream cheese dessert, Fourth of July dessert

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-no-bake-patriotic-strawberry-pretzel-salad-dessert-recipe-for-summer-parties/