Tropical Strawberry Pretzel Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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This Tropical Strawberry Pretzel Delight is a refreshing twist on a classic dessert. With a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and fruity flavors, it's an ideal treat for warm weather or a summer gathering. Imagine a paradise in every bite!

Ingredients for Tropical Strawberry Pretzel Delight

Pretzels are crushed to form the crunchy base. Their salty flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the toppings. Butter holds the crust together, adding richness. Granulated sugar sweetens this base ever so slightly.

Cream cheese creates a smooth, tangy layer that pairs well with the fruits. Whipped topping lightens the cream cheese, while coconut cream introduces a tropical note. Sugar adjusts sweetness in the creamy layer.

Fresh strawberries and diced mango bring vibrant color and juicy sweetness to the dish. Mango gelatin not only helps to set the fruit layer but enhances the tropical feel. Toasted coconut flakes add a finishing touch of flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • Crush pretzels using a rolling pin and a zip-top bag for less mess.
  • To ensure the cream cheese layer is smooth, let the cream cheese come to room temperature before beating.
  • For a stronger tropical flavor, you can add a bit more coconut cream to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful dessert chilled on a warm day. It pairs beautifully with a light, fruity cocktail or a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lime. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a tropical-themed party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is best for this recipe as it maintains better texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it's perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before and let it set overnight in the fridge.

Tropical Strawberry Pretzel Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, grab a bowl and mix the crushed pretzels with melted butter and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Once combined, firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. This will be your crunchy crust, so make sure it's packed down nicely.

Pop the crust into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Let it cool completely once it’s out. This cooling step is key to keeping the creamy layer from melting and mixing with the crust.

In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, coconut cream, and whipped topping until you get a smooth consistency. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over your cooled pretzel crust, making sure it covers every corner.

Now, dissolve the mango gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then add 1 cup of cold water. Let this cool slightly until it’s just thick enough to pour over the fruit without soaking through the creamy layer.

Arrange your sliced strawberries and diced mango over the cream cheese layer. It’s like creating a fruity mosaic! Once the gelatin is ready, gently pour it over the fruit, ensuring even coverage. Stick this in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set.

Before serving, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top to give a beautiful finish and extra crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful combination of textures: crunchy, creamy, and juicy.
  • Unique flavor pairing of tropical fruits and classic pretzel crust.
  • Easy to make ahead, making it perfect for entertaining.
  • Visually appealing with vibrant colors and layers.

Ingredients

2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup melted unsalted butter
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup cream cheese
1 cup whipped topping
1/4 cup coconut cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup diced mango
1 package (3 oz) mango gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 cup cold water
1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tbsp sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, coconut cream, and whipped topping until smooth. Spread this mixture over the cooled pretzel crust.
5. In another bowl, dissolve mango gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cold water and let it cool until slightly thickened.
6. Arrange sliced strawberries and diced mango evenly over the cream cheese layer.
7. Pour the cooled gelatin mixture over the fruit layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the gelatin is set.
8. Before serving, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top.

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