Description
The Strawberry Pretzel Delight is a modern take on a beloved dessert that merges salty, sweet, and creamy textures and flavors. This dish is composed of a crunchy pretzel crust, a velvety whipped cream and cream cheese filling, and a fresh strawberry topping. Ideal for gatherings or a family treat, it’s a visually appealing and decadent dessert that’s bound to impress.
Ingredients
Ingredients are divided into three main components:
Crust
– 2 ¼ cups finely crushed pretzels (approximately 5 ½ cups whole pretzels)
– ¾ cup salted butter, melted
– 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed
Topping
– ⅓ cup granulated sugar
– 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 lbs strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
– ½ Tablespoon butter, salted or unsalted
Filling
– 1 ½ cups heavy cream
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 13”x9” pan and bake for 12 minutes. Allow the crust to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add half of the strawberries and lemon juice, blending well. Cook over medium/low heat until juices are released, then increase to medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in remaining strawberries and butter. Allow to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to stiff peaks with an electric mixer. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Spread over the pretzel crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
Top the filling evenly with the cooled strawberry mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight. Optionally, chill in the freezer for 10-30 minutes before slicing for neater pieces.
Servings & Preparation Time
– Servings: approximately 12-16 servings
– Preparation time: about 30 minutes
– Cooking time: 12 minutes
– Total time before serving: minimum of 4 hours, including chilling
Tips for Storage & Reheating
– Keep refrigerated: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Freezing is possible: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
– This dessert is best served cold, and there is no need for reheating.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Pretzel Delight brilliantly combines a salty, crunchy base with a creamy, fluffy middle and a tangy, fruity top layer, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. This sweet treat serves as an excellent choice for nearly any occasion – from potlucks to picnic dinners, ensuring enjoyment down to the last bite.
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Strawberry Pretzel Delight
- Total Time: minimum of 4 hours, including chilling
- Yield: approximately 12-16 servings 1x
Description
The Strawberry Pretzel Delight is a modern take on a beloved dessert that merges salty, sweet, and creamy textures and flavors. This dish is composed of a crunchy pretzel crust, a velvety whipped cream and cream cheese filling, and a fresh strawberry topping. Ideal for gatherings or a family treat, it’s a visually appealing and decadent dessert that’s bound to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups finely crushed pretzels (approximately 5 ½ cups whole pretzels)
- ¾ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 lbs strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ Tablespoon butter, salted or unsalted
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 13”x9” pan and bake for 12 minutes. Allow the crust to cool completely.
- Step 2: Make the Strawberry Topping In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add half of the strawberries and lemon juice, blending well. Cook over medium/low heat until juices are released, then increase to medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in remaining strawberries and butter. Allow to cool completely.
- Step 3: Prepare the Filling Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to stiff peaks with an electric mixer. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Spread over the pretzel crust.
- Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Top the filling evenly with the cooled strawberry mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight. Optionally, chill in the freezer for 10-30 minutes before slicing for neater pieces.
- Prep Time: about 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes