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Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 121 reviews

Classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars offer a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors perfectly layered to create an irresistible dessert. Featuring a buttery, crunchy pretzel crust topped with smooth cream cheese filling and a fresh strawberry glaze, this easy-to-make treat is ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you crave a refreshing and indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups pretzels, finely crushed
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks

Strawberry Topping

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Finely crush 2 cups of pretzels using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and rolling with a rolling pin until ground.
  2. Mix crust ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir the mixture until it resembles wet sand.
  3. Form crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, compacting it with the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass.
  4. Bake crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
  5. Make cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  6. Fold whipped cream: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
  7. Assemble cream cheese layer: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the strawberry topping.
  8. Prepare strawberry topping: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 cup water. Stir constantly over medium heat and bring to a boil until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
  9. Add strawberries: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 4 cups of sliced fresh strawberries. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  10. Top bars: Spread the strawberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer in the pan.
  11. Chill bars: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld.
  12. Serve: For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe dry, and cut the bars into squares. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Notes

  • Ensure the pretzel crust is fully cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
  • Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks to maintain a light and airy texture in the cream layer.
  • Using fresh ripe strawberries enhances the flavor and texture of the topping.
  • Let the bars chill overnight for best flavor development.
  • Dipping the knife in hot water before slicing ensures clean bar edges without pressing or dragging.
  • This dessert is best served chilled and should be stored in the refrigerator.

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad bars, sweet dessert bars, pretzel crust dessert, cream cheese dessert, no bake strawberry topping, easy summer dessert

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/classic-strawberry-pretzel-salad-bars-recipe/