Strawberry Pretzel Bars Recipe

Name: Strawberry Pretzel Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 310 min
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 3 cups chopped fresh strawberries; 2 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup white sugar, divided; 6 cups (7 1/2 oz.) miniature pretzels; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted, divided; 7 tablespoon packed light brown sugar, divided; 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon fresh juice (from 1 small lemon); 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided; 1 large egg, at room temperature

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Cooking spray
3 cups chopped fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup white sugar, divided
6 cups miniature pretzels
1 cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
7 tablespoons light brown sugar, divided
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 large egg, at room temperature

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Lightly coat a 9x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 opposite sides. Set aside.

Step 3: In a saucepan, combine strawberries, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of white sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 6 to 8 minutes until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature, approximately 45 minutes.

Step 4: In the meantime, place miniature pretzels in a food processor and process until finely ground, about 45 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl, and mix in 3/4 cup melted butter and 4 tablespoons light brown sugar until fully combined.

Step 5: Press 2 1/2 cups of the pretzel mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Use a flat-bottomed drinking glass or measuring cup to press it down into a compact, even layer. Set aside the remaining 1/2 cup of pretzel mixture.

Step 6: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until slightly crisp and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 325F (163C).

Step 7: In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese on medium speed with a paddle attachment for about 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons flour, and the remaining 1/2 cup of white sugar. Beat on medium-low speed for about 15 seconds until combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, add the egg, and beat until incorporated, about 15 seconds. Set aside at room temperature.

Step 8: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

Step 9: Spread the cooled strawberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 10: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 3 tablespoons light brown sugar with the reserved 1/2 cup of pretzel mixture. Stir until the flour is fully incorporated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the strawberry layer, making sure some strawberry is still visible.

Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is almost set but has a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 12: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack at room temperature, about 3 hours. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 bars and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	474
Total Fat	29g
Saturated Fat	17g
Cholesterol	94mg
Sodium	349mg
Total Carbohydrate	49g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	27g
Protein	6g
Vitamin C	26mg
Calcium	62mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	183mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Strawberry Pretzel Bars Recipe

Recipe by Diana Moutsopoulos

History and Origins

The Strawberry Pretzel Bar is a popular American dessert that blends a salty-sweet flavor profile. It is a modern twist on the classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad, a beloved dish in the U.S. often served at holiday gatherings or family picnics. Traditionally, Strawberry Pretzel Salad was made as a layered salad with a salty pretzel crust, cream cheese filling, and strawberry topping. Over time, it was transformed into this more portable and easy-to-serve bar version, allowing for easier enjoyment at parties and events.

Regional Variations

While the Strawberry Pretzel Bar is widely popular across the United States, it is particularly common in the Midwest and the South. In some regions, variations exist with different fruits or the addition of other flavorings like vanilla or cinnamon to the crust. Some also incorporate whipped cream in the filling for a lighter, fluffier texture, while others add a topping of sweetened condensed milk for extra richness.

Distinguishing Features

Unlike other fruit-based desserts, Strawberry Pretzel Bars stand out due to their unique combination of textures. The salty pretzel crust contrasts wonderfully with the sweet, creamy filling and the fresh fruit topping. This salty-sweet pairing sets it apart from similar desserts like fruit tarts or cheesecake bars. Another key difference is the use of pretzels, which adds a delightful crunch that is rarely found in fruit-based desserts.

Where It's Served

Strawberry Pretzel Bars are often served at casual gatherings, including family reunions, church socials, or barbecues. Their combination of sweetness and saltiness makes them a crowd-pleaser, and their convenient bar format makes them easy to serve and share. They are also popular at potlucks, birthday parties, and holiday events like Easter and Thanksgiving.

Fun Facts

Strawberry Pretzel Bars are sometimes referred to as "Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bars," despite not being a traditional salad.
The recipe's origins are debated, but it is believed to have evolved from a recipe shared at community gatherings in the Midwest.
In some versions of the recipe, the pretzels are replaced with graham crackers for a different texture and flavor.
The strawberry topping is often made using fresh or frozen berries, and some variations add gelatin to help thicken the fruit layer for a firmer texture.
Though it has "salad" in its name, Strawberry Pretzel Salad (and its bar version) is definitely a dessert and not a traditional salad!

Conclusion

The Strawberry Pretzel Bar is an inventive dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the sweet and creamy flavors of traditional fruit-based desserts with the salty crunch of pretzels. Its versatile nature, regional adaptations, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a timeless treat that continues to be a favorite at any gathering.

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FAQ about Strawberry Pretzel Bars Recipe

Yes, you can make Strawberry Pretzel Bars a day or two ahead of time. Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They should last for up to 3 days.

After cooling completely, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for 3 to 4 days when properly stored.

Yes, you can freeze these bars. After they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

If you're looking for an alternative to pretzels, you could try crushed graham crackers, crushed vanilla wafer cookies, or even crushed salty crackers like Ritz. However, using a salty base similar to pretzels is essential for balancing the sweetness of the cream cheese and strawberry layers.

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in place of fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before cooking them down. This will help achieve the right consistency for the strawberry topping.

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the filling has a slight jiggle in the center. If the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the middle, that’s a good indicator that it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Yes, you can substitute white sugar with other types such as coconut sugar or brown sugar for a different flavor profile. However, using brown sugar may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the bars.

While the lemon zest and juice help to balance the flavors, you can skip them if you prefer a more neutral flavor. The recipe will still work without them, but the bars might be a bit sweeter without the citrusy tang.

Yes, you can make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pretzels and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure all the ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Once the bars have fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them. For clean cuts, it helps to wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each cut. You can also use a serrated knife for better results, especially with the crust.

Comments

Carolyn Evans

02/14/2024 09:50:22 AM

Needs to crush the pretzels thoroughly to maintain structural integrity. The flavor is enjoyable, but the pretzel texture should resemble a graham cracker crust for better stability. Trust your instincts to determine the ideal texture. Unfortunately, my creation crumbled after baking, and the base did not hold together as expected.

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