Crack Salad Recipe
Introduction
Crack Salad is a delightful, crunchy dessert salad featuring a creamy base mixed with fresh strawberries and a sweet, buttery pretzel-pecan topping. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s simple to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups strawberries, diced
- 1 (8 oz) tub of Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 cup pretzels, chopped
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pretzels, pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir well to coat all the pieces. Spread the mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring once halfway through baking. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until fully combined and creamy. Set aside this creamy base.
- Step 3: Once the pretzel-pecan mixture has cooled, carefully fold in the diced strawberries and the crunchy topping into the creamy base. Mix gently to evenly combine while preserving the crunch. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- To add a burst of citrus, try mixing in a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture for extra brightness.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add more pretzels or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Serve chilled by refrigerating for 30 minutes before serving, but avoid letting it sit too long to keep the crunch texture.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the pretzel mixture softens over time when mixed with the creamy base, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir. If it has softened too much, consider adding fresh chopped pretzels to restore some crunch.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Using frozen strawberries is possible, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the salad watery.
Is there a good substitute for Cool Whip?
You can use whipped heavy cream or homemade whipped topping as a substitute, though the texture and sweetness may vary slightly from Cool Whip.
Print
Crack Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crack Salad is a delightful and creamy dessert salad featuring a luscious combination of cream cheese, Cool Whip, and vanilla folded with fresh strawberries, complemented by a crunchy, buttery, brown sugar-coated pretzel and pecan mix. This treat offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crunchy Topping
- 1 cup pretzels, chopped
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup melted butter
Creamy Base
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
Fruit
- 2–3 cups strawberries, diced
Instructions
- Prepare Crunchy Topping: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pretzels, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 7-9 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning. Remove from oven and let it cool completely to develop the crunchy texture.
- Make Creamy Base: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. Carefully fold in the thawed Cool Whip, blending gently until fully combined and creamy. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine and Serve: Once the crunchy pretzel-pecan topping has cooled completely, gently fold it into the creamy base along with the diced strawberries. Mix everything gently to maintain the crunch and avoid breaking the strawberries. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to let the crunchy topping cool completely before folding it into the creamy base to maintain its crisp texture.
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for a sweet and juicy flavor contrast.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- This salad is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours; stirring gently before serving to recombine.
- Adjust sugar quantities based on the sweetness of your strawberries or your personal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Salad/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack Salad, Strawberry Salad, Cream Cheese Salad, Dessert Salad, Pretzel Salad, Sweet Salad, Cool Whip Salad
