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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars

no bake strawberry pretzel salad bars - featured image
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A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and a bright strawberry gelatin topping, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 60 grams)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (170 grams)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225 grams)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 grams)
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (240 ml)
  • 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
  • 2 cups boiling water (480 ml)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (about 300 grams)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups crushed pretzels, 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix until the pretzels are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust. Let the crust cool completely before moving on.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the airiness.
  5. Spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the strawberry topping.
  6. Dissolve one package of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups boiling water, stirring for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
  7. Allow the gelatin mixture to cool to room temperature but not set. Stir in 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries.
  8. Pour the strawberry and gelatin mixture gently over the cream cheese layer. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the topping is firm.
  9. Once set, cut into bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, swap cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Crush pretzels to a mix of fine crumbs and small chunks for best texture. Chill the crust completely before layering to avoid sogginess. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, strawberry, pretzel salad bars, summer dessert, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser, no oven dessert

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-no-bake-strawberry-pretzel-salad-bars-recipe-perfect-for-summer-desserts/