Strawberry Toffee Dessert Salad

This Strawberry Toffee Dessert Salad is a sweet treat that blends creamy textures with a delightful crunch. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings, it combines fresh strawberries with a smooth cream base and a homemade toffee-like topping made from pretzels, pecans, butter, and brown sugar.

INGREDIENTS

• Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened, for a creamy base
• Sugar: ½ cup, to sweeten the cream cheese mixture
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp, for added flavor
• Whipped Topping: 8 oz, folded into the cream cheese
• Pretzels: 1 cup, chopped, for the toffee crunch
• Pecans: ½ cup, chopped, for added crunch
• Brown Sugar: ¾ cup, to sweeten the toffee mix
• Butter: ¾ cup, melted, to bind the toffee mixture
• Strawberries: 2-3 cups, washed and diced

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2:

Wash and dice the strawberries, then set aside.

Step 3:

In a bowl, mix chopped pretzels, pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar to form a toffee-like mixture. Spread it evenly on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Step 4:

Bake the toffee crunch for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown, then let it cool.

Step 5:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Fold in the whipped topping gently.

Step 6:

Add the diced strawberries and the cooled toffee crunch to the cream cheese mixture. Fold gently until combined.

Step 7:

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the salad fresh for the best crunchy texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but note that the toffee may soften over time.

Helpful Notes

• You can use a mix of different nuts for a varied flavor in the toffee crunch.
• Try adding other fresh berries for a twist in the salad.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Jamie suggests adding a dash of cinnamon to the toffee mix for a warm flavor.
• Chef Julia recommends chilling the salad for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

How to Make a Perfect Dessert Salad

The key to a perfect dessert salad is balancing flavors and textures. Use fresh, ripe strawberries and ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. Prepare the toffee crunch in advance for added convenience.

Variations of Strawberry Dessert Salad

Feel free to experiment with different fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, or add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best to add the toffee crunch just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Is there a substitute for pecans?

Walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes in the toffee mix.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains pretzels, which are not gluten-free. Use gluten-free pretzels as a substitute to make it gluten-free.

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Conclusion

This Strawberry Toffee Dessert Salad offers a balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements. The combination of fresh strawberries, smooth cream cheese filling, and a homemade toffee crunch makes it an irresistible treat, perfect for parties and potlucks. The toffee crunch is made from a mix of pretzels, pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar, baked to golden perfection. The creamy base consists of whipped cream folded into a blend of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Add fresh, diced strawberries for a burst of fruity sweetness. This easy-to-make dessert is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crunch.