We're going to be crafting a delightful fusion of crunchy pretzels and sweet strawberries with the smoothness of cream cheese. It's a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavors in a Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake that's perfect for dessert lovers.
Most of these ingredients are commonly available in your pantry, but you might want to pay attention to the strawberry gelatin and mini pretzels. Strawberry gelatin is usually found in the baking aisle of your supermarket, and mini pretzels are typically in the snack aisle. Ensure to get unsalted butter, as the pretzels will add the necessary saltiness to the crust.
Ingredients for the Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
Mini pretzel: They provide a crunchy texture and salty flavor to balance the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Unsalted butter: It's used to bind the pretzel crust and adds a rich flavor.
Cream cheese: This is the main component of the cheesecake layer, providing a rich and creamy texture.
Powdered sugar: It sweetens the cream cheese layer without making it grainy.
Vanilla extract: It enhances the flavor of the cheesecake layer.
Sour cream: It adds a slight tartness to the cheesecake, balancing out the sweetness.
Whipped cream: It lightens the texture of the cheesecake layer.
Water: Used to dissolve the strawberry gelatin.
Strawberry gelatin: It provides the strawberry flavor and helps set the strawberry layer.
Strawberry: They add a fresh and tangy flavor to the final layer of the cheesecake.
One reader, Ede Greenlee says:
This strawberry pretzel cheesecake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of the salty pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry topping is pure perfection. It's a showstopper dessert that's easy to make and impresses everyone. I've made it multiple times, and it's always a hit!
Techniques Required for Making Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
How to prepare the pretzel crust: Crush the pretzels in a plastic bag using a rolling pin or meat mallet to create a chunky texture. Combine the crushed pretzels with melted butter and press the mixture into the base of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.
How to make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream, and mix until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the batter is thick and smooth.
How to prepare the strawberry gelatin topping: Boil water in a medium saucepan, then add the strawberry gelatin and stir until dissolved. Let the mixture cool for about 8 minutes, then add the strawberries and stir to combine.
How to assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared crust and spread it evenly. Once chilled, pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
How To Make Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
The irresistible combination of strawberry jello and cream cheese on salty pretzel crust makes this pretzel cheesecake a hit for any season and occasion.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½cupsmini pretzel
- 10tbspunsalted butter,melted
- 8ozcream cheese,(2 pkg), at room temperature
- 1½cupspowdered sugar
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ½cupsour cream
- 1cupwhipped cream
- 2cupswater
- 6ozstrawberry gelatin
- 1lbstrawberry,hulled and sliced
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Fill a gallon plastic bag with pretzels and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush the pretzels, creating a chunky texture.
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Combine crushed pretzels and butter in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Place the pretzel mixture in the base of a 9-inch springform pan with the mixture to create the crust. Use a measuring cup to smooth the surface.
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Bake for about 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
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Place cream cheese in a large bowl and mix with an electric mixer until cream cheese is smooth. Add in powder sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until combine. Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl. Add in the whipped cream until the batter is thick and smooth.
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Pour the mixture into the 9-inch springform pan and spread with a spatula to cover the pretzel crust and create a flat even top. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes.
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Boil water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Once boiling, add the strawberry gelatin and stir for about 3 minutes, or until gelatin has dissolved. Remove from heat.
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Let the gelatin mixture cool for about 8 minutes or until room temperature. Add in strawberries and stir to combine.
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Remove the springform pan from the refrigerator and pour the strawberry mixture over it. Refrigerate for about 4 hours.
Nutrition
- Calories: 511.29kcal
- Fat: 23.81g
- Saturated Fat: 13.54g
- Trans Fat: 0.39g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.55g
- Carbohydrates: 57.49g
- Fiber: 2.34g
- Sugar: 19.19g
- Protein: 19.21g
- Cholesterol: 65.41mg
- Sodium: 718.42mg
- Calcium: 74.03mg
- Potassium: 227.81mg
- Iron: 2.60mg
- Vitamin A: 211.34µg
- Vitamin C: 23.29mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
When crushing the pretzels for the crust, aim for a mixture of fine and chunky pieces. This will give your crust a unique texture and a delightful crunch. Also, when adding the strawberry gelatin mixture to the cheesecake, ensure it has cooled to room temperature. Pouring a hot mixture over the chilled cheesecake layer could cause it to melt or become soggy.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting to make the recipe. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work through the recipe. This will help you locate ingredients and tools quickly, saving time and reducing stress during the cooking process.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as preparing the crust while the oven is preheating or chilling the cheesecake while you work on the strawberry gelatin mixture.
Use pre-made components: Consider using store-bought whipped cream or pre-made crust to save time without compromising the overall flavor and quality of the dessert.
Chill efficiently: Place the cheesecake in the freezer for a shorter amount of time to speed up the chilling process, ensuring it sets properly while saving time.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Recipe
mini pretzel - Substitute with graham cracker crumbs: Graham cracker crumbs can provide a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the crust.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the crust.
cream cheese - Substitute with vegan cream cheese: For a dairy-free option, vegan cream cheese can be used, providing a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add sweetness and moisture to the crust while also providing a hint of caramel flavor.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can offer a similar tanginess and creaminess to the filling while adding a boost of protein.
whipped cream - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a luscious and creamy topping.
strawberry gelatin - Substitute with agar agar: Agar agar, a plant-based gelatin substitute, can be used to set the strawberry layer without the use of animal products.
strawberry - Substitute with raspberry: Raspberries can be used as a substitute, offering a similar tartness and vibrant color to the dessert.
Presenting Your Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
Elevate the pretzel crust: Instead of a traditional crust, consider using a mixture of finely crushed mini pretzels and butter to create a unique and flavorful base for the cheesecake.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Adorn the top of the cheesecake with a generous amount of fresh strawberries to add a burst of color and a delightful fruity flavor.
Create a pretzel crumble: Sprinkle a small amount of crushed pretzels on top of the cheesecake to add a crunchy texture and a touch of saltiness to complement the sweetness of the dessert.
Drizzle with strawberry gelatin sauce: Before serving, drizzle a homemade strawberry gelatin sauce over the cheesecake to add a glossy finish and a burst of fruity flavor.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream: Accompany each slice of cheesecake with a small dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness of the dessert and add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Add a touch of edible flowers: Consider adding a few edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, to the plate for a sophisticated and visually stunning presentation.
Incorporate a pretzel stick: Place a small pretzel stick on top of the cheesecake slice for a playful and unexpected element, adding a whimsical touch to the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
- Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F for baking the pretzel crust.
- Rolling pin or meat mallet: Used to crush the pretzels for the crust.
- 9-inch springform pan: Used for baking and serving the cheesecake.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining the pretzels and butter for the crust, and for mixing the cheesecake filling.
- Measuring cup: Used to smooth the surface of the pretzel crust in the springform pan.
- Electric mixer: Used to mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream for the cheesecake filling.
- Spatula: Used for scraping the sides of the bowl and spreading the cheesecake filling in the springform pan.
- Medium saucepan: Used for boiling water and dissolving the strawberry gelatin.
- Refrigerator: Used to chill the cheesecake before adding the strawberry mixture and for setting the cheesecake after adding the strawberry mixture.
Storing and Freezing Your Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
- Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the springform pan and transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
- Store the strawberry pretzel cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If you want to freeze the cheesecake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped cheesecake with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To thaw the frozen cheesecake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Once thawed, remove the wrapping and let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- If you notice any condensation on the surface of the cheesecake after thawing, gently blot it with a paper towel before serving.
- For optimal taste and texture, consume the thawed strawberry pretzel cheesecake within 2-3 days.
Random Fact About Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
The strawberry pretzel cheesecake recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, creating a unique and delicious dessert. The contrast between the crunchy pretzel crust and the creamy cheesecake filling is a delightful surprise for the taste buds. Additionally, the addition of fresh strawberries and strawberry gelatin adds a burst of fruity flavor, making this dessert a perfect treat for any occasion.
Is Making Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake at Home Economical?
This strawberry pretzel cheesecake recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cream cheese, strawberries, and pretzels, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The dessert's rich and creamy texture, combined with the sweet and tangy flavor of strawberries, makes it a delightful treat for any occasion. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20, making it an affordable yet impressive dessert option. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its taste, presentation, and cost-effectiveness.
Is Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This strawberry pretzel cheesecake recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The crust is made with pretzels and a significant amount of butter, which adds saturated fat and calories.
- The cheesecake layer contains cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream, all of which are high in fat and sugar.
- The strawberry gelatin layer, although containing fruit, is still high in sugar due to the gelatin mix.
Overall, this dessert is high in calories, fat, and sugar, and should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a balanced diet.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some of the butter in the crust with a healthier alternative like coconut oil or reduce the amount of butter used.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream in the cheesecake layer to reduce the overall fat content.
- Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cheesecake layer or replace it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
- Instead of using a store-bought gelatin mix, make your own strawberry topping using fresh or frozen strawberries, water, and a small amount of natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. This will reduce the added sugar content and increase the nutritional value of the fruit layer.
- Serve smaller portions and pair the cheesecake with fresh fruit to increase the overall nutrient density of the dessert.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Dessert
This strawberry pretzel cheesecake recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. The crunchy pretzel crust adds a unique texture, while the creamy cheesecake filling is perfectly balanced with the tartness of the strawberries. The addition of the strawberry gelatin topping provides a refreshing and vibrant finish. Overall, this recipe offers a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures that will surely impress anyone who tries it.
Enhance Your Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake
Why trust this Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, creating a perfect balance for your taste buds. The crunchy pretzel crust adds a unique texture, while the creamy cheesecake filling is rich and indulgent. The addition of fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry gelatin provides a burst of fruity goodness. With a well-thought-out combination of ingredients and a detailed step-by-step process, this recipe promises a delightful dessert experience that will surely impress your family and friends.
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