Delightful Strawberry Crack Salad Recipe

Introduction

Delightful Strawberry Crack Salad is a sweet and crunchy treat that combines creamy filling with a buttery, nutty pretzel topping. It’s a quick and easy dessert perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave something refreshing and indulgent.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 8 oz whipped topping
• 1 cup pretzels, chopped
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup melted butter
• 2–3 cups strawberries, diced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash, dry, and dice the strawberries; set them aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the chopped pretzels, chopped pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar until everything is evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 7–9 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until fluffy and smooth.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
6. Step 6: Carefully fold the diced strawberries and the cooled crunchy topping into the creamy mixture. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them with the pretzel mixture.
• Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different berry twist.
• Use low-fat or reduced-sugar whipped topping to make this dessert a bit lighter.
• If you prefer a less crunchy texture, fold in half of the baked topping and use the rest as a garnish on top.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crunchy topping may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, gently mix before serving and add fresh strawberries to refresh the dish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

It’s best served immediately to keep the topping crunchy, but you can prepare the components ahead. Store the topping separately and assemble just before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture and flavor, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries. Be sure to drain excess moisture to avoid a watery salad.

Delightful Strawberry Crack Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 112 reviews

This Delightful Strawberry Crack Salad combines a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture with fresh strawberries and a crunchy, caramelized pretzel and pecan topping. The salad balances creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures for a refreshing and irresistible dessert or side dish.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz whipped topping

Crunch Topping

• 1 cup pretzels, chopped
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup melted butter

Fruit

• 2–3 cups strawberries, diced

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the crunch topping.
2. Prepare Strawberries: Wash, dry thoroughly, and dice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside to keep fresh.
3. Mix Crunch Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pretzels, chopped pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir well until all pieces are evenly coated with the buttery sugar mixture.
4. Bake Crunch: Spread the coated pretzel and pecan mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and caramelized. Remove from oven and let it cool completely to firm up the crunch.
5. Make Cream Cheese Base: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
6. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, airy texture.
7. Combine Salad: Carefully fold in the diced strawberries and the cooled crunch topping into the cream cheese mixture, taking care to keep some crunch intact.
8. Serve Immediately: Transfer the strawberry crack salad to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately for the best texture and freshness.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is completely softened for a smooth cream base.
• Cool the crunch topping fully so it maintains its crispiness in the salad.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
• This salad is best served immediately to keep the crunch topping from becoming soggy.
• Variations can include adding other nuts or using gluten-free pretzels for dietary needs.

Keywords: Strawberry Crack Salad, Cream Cheese Salad, Sweet Crunch Salad, Dessert Salad, Quick Dessert