Ingredients
Pretzel Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or your choice of sweetener)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or your choice of sweetener)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Strawberry Topping
- 2 packages (3 ounces each) sugar-free strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (sliced)
Garnish (optional)
- Whipped topping
- Pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F, preparing it to bake the pretzel crust.
- Make the Pretzel Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press this mixture evenly into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until set, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set this whipped cream aside.
- Create Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the prepared whipped cream using a rubber spatula, maintaining a light and airy texture.
- Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, covering all edges. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top and refrigerate until chilled, allowing it to firm up slightly.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar-free strawberry gelatin packs into 2 cups boiling water, stirring well. Add the sliced fresh strawberries into the gelatin mixture and chill in the refrigerator until it is partially set, becoming thick but not fully firm.
- Top the Dessert: Spoon the partially set strawberry gelatin and strawberry mixture gently over the chilled cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for 6 hours or overnight until fully firm and set for easy slicing.
- Serve: Cut the dessert into squares and garnish with optional whipped topping and pretzels as desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and fruity flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cool before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- Use cold heavy cream to achieve better whipping and stiffer peaks.
- Chilling the strawberry gelatin mixture until partially set prevents the fruit from sinking and helps create a nice topping layer.
- For a sweeter or less sweet version, adjust sugar amounts or use alternative sweeteners as preferred.
- This dessert is best served well chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
