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Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars

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These nostalgic dessert bars feature a crunchy salted pretzel crust, a creamy whipped cream cheese filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping with fresh berries. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings, they combine sweet, salty, and fruity flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups salted pretzels, crushed
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves (seedless preferred)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water)
  • Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush pretzels using a food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin until small crumbs form.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until evenly coated.
  3. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pack down firmly with a measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 3 minutes). Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
  6. Spread creamy filling evenly over cooled pretzel crust. Smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
  7. Hull and slice strawberries. In a small saucepan, combine strawberry jam, water, and optional lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, stirring until smooth.
  8. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into simmering jam mixture. Cook 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
  9. Fold in strawberries. Spread strawberry mixture over chilled creamy filling.
  10. Cover pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
  11. Slice into bars with a sharp knife. Serve cold, garnished with extra strawberries or mint if desired.

Notes

Ensure the pretzel crust is fully cooled before adding the creamy layer to prevent melting. Sift powdered sugar for a smooth filling. For best results, chill bars overnight for defined layers. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are possible. Use cold cream and bowl for whipping. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain well.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry pretzel salad bars, creamy dessert bars, potluck dessert, easy strawberry bars, retro dessert, summer dessert, layered bars, no bake bars, fruit dessert, party dessert

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-strawberry-pretzel-salad-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-layers/