Enjoy the delightful layers of Strawberry Pretzel Pie, a refreshing summer dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for gatherings and will impress your guests with its sweet and salty flavor combination. Enjoy a slice of this delicious treat that captures the essence of summer!
I already have a delicious recipe for raspberry pretzel salad, which my entire family and circle of friends love! You can find the recipe here. Many of my followers have mentioned that a strawberry version of the pretzel salad is equally tasty.
Instead of making the exact same recipe except for using strawberries instead of raspberries, I thought a pie version might be a better option so it’s not the same old, same old. And what a yummy idea it was!
Strawberry Pretzel Pie is a delightful dessert that combines a pretzel crust’s sweet and salty flavors with a creamy cheesecake filling and a fresh strawberry topping. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion where a refreshing treat is desired. In this post, I’ll show you how to make this easy and delicious pie, along with some tips and variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Strawberry Pretzel Pie
For the Crust
- 3 cups pretzel crumbs: The salty pretzels provide a crunchy base that complements the sweetness of the filling.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the pretzel crumbs together.
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides a rich and creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a hint of tartness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Enhances the lemon flavor.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and volume.
For the Strawberry Layer
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, cut: Fresh strawberries give the pie a vibrant color and fresh taste.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the strawberry layer.
- ½ cup water: Helps dissolve the gelatin.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds freshness.
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin mix: Sets the strawberry layer.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture.
How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Pie
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan. Set aside.
For the Crust
In a food processor, crush the pretzels until small crumbs. Combine in a medium bowl with the melted butter and brown sugar. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pie pan and up the sides. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to toast. Allow to cool before filling.
For the Cheesecake Filling
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cream cheese, lemon juice, zest, and sugar. Cream until smooth. Whip the heavy cream until smooth. Combine with the cream cheese mixture and fold gently. Scoop the cream cheese mix into the pie pan and spread evenly to the edges. Loosely cover and chill in the fridge for two hours.
For the Strawberry Layer
Combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, strawberry gelatin, and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir constantly for one minute. Place the cut strawberries in a large bowl. Pour the gelatin mixture over the strawberries and stir gently to coat. Scoop the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer and spread evenly. Chill for an additional four hours or until completely set.
Tips and Variations
- Crust Variations: Try using graham crackers or digestive biscuits instead of pretzels for a different flavor.
- Filling Flavors: Add vanilla or almond extract to the cheesecake layer for a unique twist.
- Fruit Toppings: Substitute or add other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry topping.
Storage
Store the Strawberry Pretzel Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This pie is best enjoyed fresh, as the pretzel crust may become soggy over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the pie.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What can I use instead of strawberry gelatin?
If you prefer a more natural alternative, set the topping using agar-agar or pectin with strawberry juice.
Strawberry Pretzel Pie is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best of sweet and salty flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a refreshing treat, this pie will surely impress. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and make it your own!
Easy Strawberry Pretzel Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 3 cups pretzel crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Layer
- 4 cups fresh strawberries cut
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 Tablespoons strawberry gelatin mix
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
For the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9 inch pie pan. Set aside.
- In a food processor, crush the pretzels until small crumbs.
- Combine in a medium bowl with the melted butter and brown sugar.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pie pan and up the sides.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to toast. Allow to cool before filling.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cream cheese, lemon juice, zest and sugar. Cream until smooth.
- Whip the heavy cream until smooth. Combine with the cream cheese mixture and fold gently.
- Scoop the cream cheese mix into the pie pan and spread evenly to the edges.
- Loosely cover and chill in the fridge for two hours.
For the Strawberry Layer
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, strawberry gelatin and cornstarch. Bring to a boil and stir constantly for one minute.
- Place the cut strawberries in a large bowl. Pour the gelatin mixture over the strawberries and stir gently to coat.
- Scoop the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer and spread evenly.
- Chill for an additional four hours or until completely set.
