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Delightful Strawberry Crack Salad 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 23 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