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Easy Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Easter Dessert Recipe for Perfect Holidays

easy creamy strawberry pretzel dessert - featured image
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A quick and easy dessert combining a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and fresh strawberry topping, perfect for Easter and spring gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pretzels, crushed into fine crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 cups whipped topping (cool whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
  2. Place 2 cups of pretzels into a zip-top bag and crush into fine crumbs with some small chunks remaining. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  3. Add 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and 1/4 cup granulated sugar to the crushed pretzels. Stir until well combined and crumbs are evenly coated.
  4. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
  5. In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 cup sifted powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and blend again. Gently fold in 2 cups whipped topping until just combined.
  7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust using a spatula.
  8. In another bowl, combine 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
  9. Spoon the strawberry mixture evenly over the cream layer.
  10. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  11. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with whole strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to avoid lumps. Crush pretzels mostly fine with some chunks for texture. Press crust firmly before baking. Fold whipped topping gently to keep mixture light. Toss strawberries with lemon juice just before assembling to keep fresh. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels; for dairy-free, use coconut cream cheese and coconut whipped topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry dessert, pretzel crust, creamy dessert, Easter dessert, easy holiday dessert, spring dessert, no bake dessert

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/easy-creamy-strawberry-pretzel-easter-dessert-recipe-for-perfect-holidays/