Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Dessert: A Deliciously Unique Treat You Must Try

Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Dessert is a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion. This dessert has a rich history, often gracing tables at family gatherings and potlucks, where its unique combination of textures and tastes never fails to impress. The crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and luscious strawberry topping create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. I love how this Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Dessert not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also offers a refreshing twist with its fruity topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and compliments, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dessert game!

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the cream cheese layer:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the strawberry layer:
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup whipped topping (for folding into the gelatin)

Preparing the Crust

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your crust bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden color.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels and granulated sugar. I like to use a food processor for the pretzels, but you can also place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
3. Pour in the melted butter and mix everything together until the pretzels are well coated. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
4. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to pack it down tightly to create a solid crust. I usually use the bottom of a measuring cup to help with this step.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the cream cheese layer.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue to beat until everything is well combined and there are no lumps. The mixture should be fluffy and light.
3. Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture; you want it to stay light and airy.
4. Once the cream cheese layer is ready, spread it evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure to reach the edges of the dish.
5. Place the dish in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the cream cheese layer to set slightly while you prepare the strawberry layer.

Preparing the Strawberry Layer

1. In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir it well until all the gelatin is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Once the gelatin is dissolved, add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture. This helps to cool it down and prepare it for the next step.
3. Allow the gelatin mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. You don’t want it to set yet, just cool down enough to mix with the whipped topping.
4. In another bowl, take the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping and gently fold it into the cooled gelatin mixture. This will create a light and fluffy strawberry layer. Be gentle to maintain the airiness of the whipped topping.
5. Once combined, fold in the sliced strawberries. This adds a fresh and fruity flavor to the layer.
6. Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
7. Return the dish to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. If you can wait overnight, that’s even better!

Assembling and Serving

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, this Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Dessert is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their friends and family with a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. The crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant strawberry topping create a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just as a special dessert for a weeknight dinner, this dessert is sure to be a hit. For those looking to mix things up, consider experimenting with different fruit toppings like blueberries or raspberries, or even adding a layer of chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent twist. You can also try using gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy. I encourage you to give this Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Dessert a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any variations you decided to try. Remember, the joy of cooking comes not just from the delicious results, but also from the memories created while making and sharing these treats. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some sweet memories together! Print

Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Dessert: A Deliciously Unique Treat You Must Try
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• Author: Dottie
• Total Time: 160 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
Enjoy a delicious Strawberry Pretzel Dessert with a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and fresh strawberry topping. This no-bake treat is perfect for any occasion and will impress your guests!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
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Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until all the pretzel crumbs are coated.
3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let it cool completely.
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
7. Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula.
8. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
9. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
10. Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then slice them.
11. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir over medium heat until boiling (about 5-7 minutes).
12. Add the lemon juice and sliced strawberries, stirring gently to coat.
13. Remove from heat and sprinkle the strawberry gelatin over the mixture, stirring until dissolved.
14. Let the strawberry mixture cool for about 10-15 minutes.
15. Pour the cooled strawberry mixture over the chilled cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly.
16. Return the dessert to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 2-3 hours, or until the strawberry layer is set.
17. Cut into squares or rectangles to serve.
18. Optionally, garnish with a dollop of whipped topping and a fresh strawberry.
Notes
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
• Allow the dessert to chill adequately for the best texture.
• You can substitute other fruits for the topping if desired.
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes