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- 1 cup crushed pretzels - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 cup strawberry gelatin powder - 2 cups boiling water - 1 cup cold water To make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups, you need simple ingredients. First, crushed pretzels form the base. They give a salty crunch. You mix them with melted butter and sugar. This mixture makes a tasty crust. Next, you need cream cheese. It gives a rich and creamy layer. Powdered sugar sweetens this mix. Whipped topping adds lightness. Together, they create a smooth filling. The star of the show is fresh strawberries. They add bright flavor and color. Strawberry gelatin powder helps set the dessert. You mix it with boiling water, then cold water. This mixture becomes a sweet layer over the cream cheese. Gather your ingredients. They come together to make a fun and tasty treat. Enjoy the mix of salty pretzels and sweet strawberry goodness! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the crust bake perfectly. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the pretzels are well-coated. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased muffin tin. Bake for about 10 minutes until it's slightly golden. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling. While the crust cools, grab another bowl. Beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Now, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping, like Cool Whip. This will make your mixture light and fluffy. Now it’s time to prepare the strawberry layer. In a medium bowl, dissolve 1 cup of strawberry gelatin powder in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Then, add 1 cup of cold water and mix well. Allow this mixture to cool slightly, then fold in 2 cups of hulled and sliced strawberries. Next, spoon a layer of the cream cheese mixture into each muffin cup. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Carefully pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in each cup, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This allows the gelatin to set and hold its shape. Once set, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen the cups. Place them on a nice serving platter to impress your guests. - How to avoid a soggy crust To keep the crust crispy, bake it until golden brown. Let the crust cool before adding the cream cheese layer. This step keeps moisture from making the crust soggy. - Ensuring even distribution of layers When adding the cream cheese mixture, use a spatula to spread it evenly. For the strawberry layer, pour gently to cover the cream cheese. This way, each cup has a balanced taste. - Creative garnish ideas for serving Top each cup with extra strawberry slices or a dollop of whipped topping. A sprinkle of crushed pretzels adds a nice crunch, making each cup pop. - Choosing the right serving platter Use a colorful or decorative platter to display your cups. A fun serving dish draws attention and makes your dessert look even more inviting. {{image_4}} You can switch out the cream cheese if you want. Try using Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Silken tofu is a great vegan choice too. For whipped topping, you can use coconut cream. It adds a nice flavor and is dairy-free. If you want to change the fruit, strawberries are not the only option. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can also work well. Each fruit brings a different taste and color. You can mix and match fruits for fun flavors. Get creative with the gelatin! Instead of strawberry, you can try raspberry or peach gelatin. Each one brings a unique twist. You can also use sugar-free gelatin if you're looking to cut calories. Want to add a little more fun? Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top. Drizzling melted chocolate can also be tasty. It adds a sweet touch and looks great too! You can even mix in nuts for crunch. To keep your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups fresh, place them in a sealed container. This helps keep moisture out. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you don't plan to eat them soon, avoid adding fresh strawberries on top. This will help keep them from getting soggy. Can you freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups? Yes, you can freeze them. However, the texture will change a bit. To freeze, wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay safe from freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, take them out and thaw them in the fridge overnight. Do not refreeze them after thawing. Enjoy your sweet treat! Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups are sweet and salty. They have three main layers. The bottom layer is a crunchy pretzel crust. The middle layer is a creamy mix of cream cheese and whipped topping. The top layer is a vibrant strawberry gelatin filled with fresh strawberries. Each cup is a delightful bite of flavor and texture. Yes, you can make these cups a day or two ahead. Just prepare the cups and store them in the fridge. Cover them well with plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Making them ahead saves time for parties or gatherings. These cups need about four hours in the fridge to set. I recommend making them in the morning for an evening event. The gelatin layer should feel firm when ready to serve. You can also check by gently touching the top. You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings. Use two muffin tins instead of one. Just remember to adjust your cooking times if needed. Keep an eye on your crusts while baking. They should still be golden and crisp. Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups are a fun and tasty treat. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to assemble and store these delicious dessert cups. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make them your own. These cups are perfect for parties or a sweet snack. Enjoy creating and sharing this delightful dessert!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups

Get ready to impress with these Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups! This delightful dessert combines a crunchy pretzel crust with a creamy filling and fresh strawberries, making it the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Easy to create and beautifully presented, these cups will be a hit at your next gathering. Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a deliciously creative way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup crushed pretzels

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup strawberry gelatin powder

2 cups boiling water

1 cup cold water

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir well until the pretzels are entirely coated with the mixture.

      Firmly press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a greased muffin tin, creating a crust in each compartment. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, until the crust is slightly golden. Allow the cups to cool completely after baking.

        While the pretzel crusts are cooling, take another bowl to beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy in texture. Gently fold in the whipped topping until it is fully incorporated, giving a light and airy consistency.

          Once the pretzel crusts have cooled, spoon a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture into each cup, smoothing the tops with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

            In a medium mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring continuously until fully dissolved. Once dissolved, add the cold water and mix until everything is well combined.

              Allow the gelatin mixture to cool slightly, then carefully fold in the sliced strawberries. Use a ladle to pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in each cup, ensuring even distribution.

                Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cups for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set and firm to the touch.

                  To serve, gently remove the cups from the muffin tin by running a knife around the edges to loosen them. Place the cups on a decorative serving platter for a charming presentation.

                    Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes | Servings: 12 cups

                      - Presentation Tips: Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing each cup with extra strawberry slices or a dollop of whipped topping on top. A sprinkle of crushed pretzels can add an inviting crunch, making the dish remarkable!