Upside-Down Strawberry Pretzel Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Introducing the Upside-Down Strawberry Pretzel Delight! This dessert combines the sweet and salty flavors everyone loves with a refreshing twist. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that needs a little extra sparkle.

Ingredients for Upside-Down Strawberry Pretzel Delight

Pretzels form the crunchy, salty base layer, adding texture and contrast to the sweetness above. Honey acts as a natural sweetener, enhancing the caramel notes in the crust. Unsalted butter binds the crust, ensuring it holds together without being greasy.

Cream cheese contributes a creamy, tangy layer that pairs beautifully with the fresh fruit. Granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese, balancing its natural tang. A touch of vanilla extract elevates the flavors with its warm aroma.

Vanilla yogurt lightens the cream cheese mixture, making it smooth and luscious. Fresh strawberries provide a burst of color and juicy sweetness, essential for this summery delight.

Strawberry gelatin creates a shimmering, fruity topping that sets the dish and holds everything together. Boiling water and cold water are used to prepare the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves properly and sets nicely.

Whipped cream adds a final touch of decadence, perfect for presentation and an extra bit of indulgence.

Tips & Tricks

  • For easier slicing, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
  • Make sure the gelatin cools before pouring it over the strawberries to prevent melting the cream cheese layer.
  • Chill your mixing bowl before preparing the cream cheese mixture for a fluffier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dessert with a light, chilled white wine or a refreshing glass of iced tea to complement its fruity flavors. It's also delightful served alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How long does this dessert keep?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for vanilla yogurt?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt will add a thicker consistency and a tangier flavor.

Upside-Down Strawberry Pretzel Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a 9x13 inch baking dish. This is where the magic will happen, so make sure it's ready to go. In a bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, honey, and melted butter. Mix until everything's well-coated and ready to press into the baking dish. Once it's nice and flat, pop it into the oven for 10 minutes to form a golden, crispy crust.

While your crust is cooling, grab a separate bowl and beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until it's smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the vanilla yogurt, making sure it's all incorporated without any lumps. Spread this creamy mixture over your cooled pretzel crust, smoothing it out evenly.

Next, lay your sliced strawberries across the cream cheese layer. Try to cover the entire surface so every bite is filled with juicy goodness. In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until it's completely dissolved. Add the cold water and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Once your gelatin has cooled, carefully pour it over the strawberry layer, making sure it spreads evenly. Now, it's time for the hardest part — patience. Refrigerate your creation for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.

When you're ready to serve, top with a dollop of whipped cream and, if you like, a few whole strawberries for an eye-catching garnish. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors.
  • No complicated techniques — it's simple yet impressive.
  • Great make-ahead dessert that saves you time on the day of your event.
  • Seasonal strawberries bring fresh and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

2 cups pretzels, crushed
3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
16 oz vanilla yogurt
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 pkg (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 cup whipped cream, for topping

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, honey, and melted butter until well mixed.
3. Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form an even crust layer.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Fold in the vanilla yogurt until fully incorporated.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust evenly.
8. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer evenly.
9. In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water.
10. Stir in 1/2 cup of cold water into the gelatin mixture and let it cool to room temperature.
11. Pour the cooled gelatin over the strawberries and cream cheese layer.
12. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is set.
13. Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with a few whole strawberries if desired.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!