Strawberry Crackle Salad

Strawberry Crackle Salad
A sweet and salty sensation, this irresistible dessert-salad combo features layers of creamy filling, juicy strawberries, and a caramelized pretzel-pecan crunch. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, this crowd-pleasing treat is guaranteed to be the hit of any gathering!

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Ingredients

Crackle Layer:

• Crushed pretzels – 2 cups
• Chopped pecans – 1 cup
• Brown sugar – 1 cup
• Melted butter – 1 cup

Creamy Filling:

• Cream cheese (softened) – 2 (8 oz) packages
• Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
• Cool Whip (thawed) – 16 oz

Topping:

• Fresh strawberries, sliced – 4 cups

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Instructions

1. Make the Pretzel Crackle:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Stir until evenly mixed. Pour in the melted butter and mix well to coat everything. Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely—once cool, it will harden into a crunchy layer. Break into small chunks or shards once set.

2. Prepare the Cream Base:
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well incorporated—be careful not to overmix so the filling stays light and fluffy. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

3. Assemble and Serve:
Right before serving, spread the chilled cream mixture into a large serving bowl or dish. Top evenly with the fresh sliced strawberries. Sprinkle the cooled pretzel crackle over the top and gently stir everything together to distribute evenly. For added texture and presentation, reserve some extra crackle to sprinkle on top as a final garnish.

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Pro Tip: Wait until just before serving to combine the crunchy layer with the creamy base—this helps keep that signature “crackle” intact!