Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake offers a delightful blend of sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and a salty pretzel crust. This dessert is perfect for summertime gatherings, showcasing the contrast between the crunchy pretzel base, rich cheesecake filling, and refreshing strawberry topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines both savory and sweet elements into one delicious treat.
Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
Ingredients for 12 servings:
Crust:
- 2 ½ cups mini pretzels, crushed
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (2 packages)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup whipped cream
Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups water
- 6 oz strawberry gelatin
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced
Preparation:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Crush mini pretzels in a gallon plastic bag using a rolling pin or meat mallet to create a chunky texture.
- Combine crushed pretzels and melted butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until well combined.
- Press the pretzel mixture into the base of a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan, using a measuring cup to smooth the surface.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool to room temperature.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in the whipped cream until the batter is thick and smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled pretzel crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a flat top. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- Boil water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Once boiling, add the strawberry gelatin and stir for 3 minutes, or until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 8 minutes, or until it reaches room temperature.
- Stir in the sliced strawberries into the gelatin mixture until well combined.
- Pour the strawberry mixture over the chilled cheesecake filling in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Once set, release the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
- Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the sweet and salty flavors of the pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and refreshing strawberry topping.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that brings together the crunchiness of pretzels, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the vibrant sweetness of strawberries. Whether served at a summer barbecue, potluck, or as a special treat at home, this cheesecake is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy each bite of this decadent dessert and savor the harmony of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors that make it a standout on any dessert table.