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Delicious Strawberry Pretzel Salad with layers of pretzel crust, cream cheese, and strawberries

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A delightful layered dessert combining salty pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Layered Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the crust

  • 2 cups crushed salted pretzels (about 6 oz)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the creamy middle

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks

For the strawberry topping

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder dissolved in 1/4 cup water bring to a boil to activate

Instructions
 

Prepare the crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix crushed pretzels and sugar in a bowl, then stir in melted butter until evenly moistened.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Let cool completely.

Make the creamy layer

  • In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  • Fold in the whipped heavy cream gently until no streaks remain. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Chill the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the topping.

Prepare the strawberry topping

  • In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries release juices and the mixture is slightly saucy (about 5 minutes).
  • In a separate small saucepan, bring the agar-agar and 1/4 cup water to a boil, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until fully dissolved.
  • Remove the agar-agar from heat and stir into the warm strawberry mixture. Let cool slightly, then spoon the strawberries and syrup over the cream layer. Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.

Serve

  • Slice into squares with a warm, dry knife for clean edges. Keep chilled until serving.

Notes

Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling when cutting. Chill between layers to keep the topping from seeping down. Use ripe strawberries for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g
Keyword easy dessert, layered dessert, potluck dessert, Strawberry Pretzel Salad, sweet and salty
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