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Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups are a fun and tasty dessert. They have a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy cheese layer, and a fresh strawberry top. This dish is easy to make and a hit with everyone. - Crust ingredients: - 1 cup crushed pretzels - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - Cream cheese layer ingredients: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) - Strawberry layer ingredients: - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix (powdered) - 2 cups boiling water - 2 cups cold water These ingredients come together to create a delightful treat. The salty pretzels balance the sweet cream and strawberries. You will love how they blend perfectly! 1. Preheat oven and combine ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix 1 cup of crushed pretzels, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until everything combines well. 2. Press and bake the crust: Next, press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a baking dish or cups. Bake for about 10 minutes. You want it golden but not too hard. 3. Cooling time requirements: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This step is key for a good texture. 1. Mixing cream cheese and powdered sugar: In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar slowly until smooth and creamy. 2. Incorporating whipped topping: Now, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. This adds lightness to the cream cheese layer. 1. Dissolving gelatin and cooling: In another bowl, mix 1 cup of strawberry gelatin powder with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until the gelatin dissolves. Then, add 2 cups of cold water. 2. Mixing in strawberries: Add 2 cups of hulled and sliced fresh strawberries into the gelatin mixture. Stir gently to mix. 1. Layer construction process: Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese layer evenly over it. Then, carefully pour the strawberry gelatin mixture on top. Make sure to cover it well without mixing the layers. 2. Chilling instructions before serving: Finally, place the dish in the fridge. Chill for at least 3-4 hours, or until the gelatin is firm. This waiting time helps all the flavors meld together. To make the perfect pretzel crust, avoid sogginess by letting it cool completely after baking. This step is key. If you skip it, the cream cheese layer can make the crust mushy. For a better texture, use finely crushed pretzels. You can even mix in some crushed nuts for an extra crunch. It adds flavor and makes your crust unique. Want to try something new? Swap granulated sugar with honey or agave. These sweeteners bring a nice twist. You can also add a dash of vanilla extract or almond extract for more flavor. Think about toppings too! Fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel can make this layer pop. Presentation is key with Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups. Serve them on a bright platter to make them stand out. Top each cup with fresh strawberry slices for a burst of color. Pair these cups with a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea. They also go great with brunch items like waffles or pancakes. Your guests will love the mix! {{image_4}} You can switch out strawberries for other fruits. Try peaches, blueberries, or raspberries. Each fruit brings its own taste and charm. For a mixed berry version, just combine berries. This lets you enjoy many flavors in one cup. Each fruit pairs well with the creamy layer. If you need gluten-free, look for gluten-free pretzels. Many brands offer great choices. You can also make your own by crushing gluten-free crackers. For the rest of the recipe, just stick to gluten-free ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy this treat. For a lower sugar version, use less sugar in the cream cheese mix. You can also find low-sugar gelatin options. If you want to make it vegan, use a plant-based cream cheese. Look for brands that taste good and whip well. Top with fresh fruit or a nut-based cream for a tasty finish. To keep your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid any strong odors mixing in. You can also cover them tightly with plastic wrap. For best taste, enjoy them within 3 days. After that, they may lose some quality. You can freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups if you need to store them longer. First, let them chill completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it well to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep the texture nice. Yes, you can make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups ahead of time. I recommend chilling them for at least 3-4 hours. This time allows the layers to set properly. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover them with plastic wrap or a lid to keep them fresh. Using frozen strawberries is possible, but it changes the taste and texture. Frozen strawberries may be softer when thawed. This can make your dessert a bit mushy. Fresh strawberries give a nice crunch and bright flavor. For the best results, I suggest using fresh strawberries. Serve your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups in clear cups for a pretty look. You can garnish with extra strawberry slices or a sprinkle of crushed pretzels on top. This adds a nice touch and crunch. You can also serve them on a colorful platter for a fun presentation. The gelatin takes about 3-4 hours to set completely. For best results, chill the dessert overnight if you can. This ensures the layers hold their shape when you serve them. Just be patient and let the fridge do its work! This blog post covers how to make delicious Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups. We explored the key ingredients, including crust, cream cheese, and strawberry layers. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you assemble these treats easily. Remember, you can tweak the recipe to fit your needs. Try different fruits or make it gluten-free if you like. Whether you share these with friends or enjoy them alone, they are sure to please. Enjoy your cooking and have fun!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups

Indulge in a delicious twist on a classic dessert with these Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups! These delightful layered treats combine a crunchy pretzel crust with creamy cream cheese and fresh strawberries in a flavorful strawberry gelatin. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet snack, these easy-to-make cups are sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup crushed pretzels

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup strawberry gelatin mix (powdered)

2 cups boiling water

2 cups cold water

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the pretzels are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.

    Bake the Crust: Lightly press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish or individual serving cups. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

      Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.

        Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: After the pretzel crust has cooled to room temperature, evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust, covering it completely.

          Prepare Strawberry Gelatin: In another bowl, mix the strawberry gelatin powder with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir vigorously until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, add the cold water and stir to combine.

            Add Strawberries: Incorporate the sliced strawberries into the gelatin mixture, stirring gently to ensure they are evenly distributed.

              Assemble: Carefully pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage without disrupting the layers.

                Chill: Place the assembled dish into the refrigerator and let it chill for a minimum of 3-4 hours, or until the gelatin has fully set.

                  Serve in Cups: Once chilled and firm, scoop the salad into individual serving cups for an elegant presentation. For a delightful finishing touch, sprinkle some extra crushed pretzels on top to add a satisfying crunch.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours | Servings: 8

                      Presentation Tips: Serve the Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups on a colorful platter, and consider adding fresh strawberry slices on top for added color and freshness.