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Savory-Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars

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These dessert bars combine a crunchy, salty pretzel crust with a creamy cream cheese layer and a sweet strawberry gelatin topping, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 oz / 170 g)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold (or 8 oz whipped topping)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 10 oz / 280 g)
  • 1 (6 oz / 170 g) package strawberry gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Crush 2 cups of pretzels finely using a food processor or a sealed plastic bag and rolling pin. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Mix until evenly coated. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until set and golden. Let cool completely (about 20 minutes).
  4. In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and mix until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream to soft peaks or gently fold in 8 oz whipped topping. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently to maintain airy texture.
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
  7. Dissolve 1 package (6 oz) strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water to cool slightly. Let gelatin cool to room temperature but not set (about 10-15 minutes).
  8. Arrange sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  9. Carefully pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the strawberries and cream cheese layer slowly to avoid disturbing layers.
  10. Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow gelatin to fully set.
  11. Once set, cut into bars with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Serve chilled.

Notes

Crush pretzels finely for best crust texture. Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps. Pour gelatin slowly after cooling to prevent mixing layers. Use a warm knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Grease pan lightly to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad bars, dessert bars, pretzel crust dessert, creamy strawberry dessert, easy dessert recipe, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/savory-sweet-strawberry-pretzel-salad-bars-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dessert-bars/