Strawberry Dessert Salad with Toffee and Nut Crunch Recipe
Introduction
This Strawberry Dessert Salad with Toffee is a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. It brings together whipped cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a buttery toffee pretzel topping for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a simple sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 8 oz whipped topping
- 1 cup pretzels, chopped
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 2–3 cups strawberries, diced
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dice the strawberries, then set them aside.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the chopped pretzels and pecans with the melted butter and brown sugar. Spread this mixture evenly on a parchment-lined cookie sheet with edges to catch any drips.
- Step 3: Bake the mixture for 7–9 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Once golden and bubbly, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Step 5: Just before serving, fold in the diced strawberries and the cooled pretzel-pecan toffee mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase the amount of pretzels.
- Ensure the toffee topping is completely cool before folding in to prevent the cream from melting.
- Try adding other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit twist.
- If you prefer a sweeter cream layer, increase the sugar slightly to taste.
Storage
Store any leftover dessert salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the pretzel toffee topping may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. To serve again, give it a gentle stir and allow it to come to a slightly cooler room temperature for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dessert salad in advance?
You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and toffee topping separately in advance, but fold in the strawberries and toffee crunch just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What can I substitute for whipped topping?
You can use homemade whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping if preferred. Just be sure it’s light and fluffy to keep the salad’s texture delicate.
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Strawberry Dessert Salad with Toffee and Nut Crunch Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Dessert Salad with Toffee is a delightful no-bake treat combining fluffy cream cheese and whipped topping with a crunchy toffee mix of pretzels and pecans, layered with fresh diced strawberries. A perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures makes this dessert salad a crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a refreshing summer dessert.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping
Toffee Crunch Topping
- 1 cup pretzels, chopped
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup melted butter
Fruit
- 2–3 cups strawberries, diced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Strawberries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Wash the strawberries thoroughly, then dice them and set aside for later use.
- Make Toffee Crunch Topping: In a bowl, combine the chopped pretzels and pecans with the melted butter and brown sugar, mixing well. Spread this mixture evenly on a parchment-lined cookie sheet with edges to prevent butter from spilling. Bake for 7-9 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Once golden and bubbly, remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: While the toffee crunch cools, whip the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract and sugar until fluffy and smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated, creating a light and creamy base.
- Combine All Ingredients: Just before serving, gently fold the diced strawberries and cooled toffee crunch topping into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring the crunch remains intact and the berries are evenly distributed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the completed dessert salad into a serving dish and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor balance.
Notes
- Ensure the toffee crunch has completely cooled before mixing into the cream cheese mixture to avoid melting it.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor; frozen strawberries may become too watery.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- This dessert is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry dessert salad, toffee dessert, cream cheese salad, pretzel toffee topping, easy dessert, no-bake dessert
