Sugar Free Pretzel Salad
A refreshing twist on a classic dessert, this Sugar Free Pretzel Salad brings together crunchy pretzels, creamy cheese, and fruity toppings. Perfect for any occasion, it's easy to make and healthy too!
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale
- 9×13 baking pan
- Hand Mixer
- Stand mixer
Ingredients
- ¾ cup salted butter 170 grams, melted
- 2 cups crushed pretzels 120 grams (about 4 cups before crushing)
- 3 tablespoons Stevia 4.5 grams (or 38 grams granulated sugar)
- 8 ounces low fat cream cheese 227 grams
- ¾ cup Stevia 18 grams (or 150 grams granulated sugar)
- 8 ounces sugar free whipped topping 226 grams
- 2 cups water 454 grams
- 0.6 ounces sugar free strawberry gelatin mix 17 grams (2 packages)
- 14 ounces frozen strawberries 397 grams, with no sugar added
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple in 100% juice 227 grams (1 can), drained
- sugar-free whipped topping optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure it’s fully heated, so the crust turns out perfectly. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the melted butter, crushed pretzels, and 3 tablespoons of Stevia. Make sure everything is well combined, and you’ll notice the mixture starting to clump together. This will create a sturdy base for your dessert.
- Pour the pretzel mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to press it down firmly, creating an even layer that covers the bottom of the dish. The crust should be thin but packed well to hold the layers above.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the crust for about 7 to 8 minutes. You want it to be golden brown but not overly crispy. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
- While the crust is cooling, it’s time to prepare the cream cheese layer. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to beat together the cream cheese and ¾ cup of Stevia. Mix until the cream cheese is smooth and creamy. You should be able to achieve a fluffy consistency.
- Next, stir in the sugar-free whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold it until it's fully incorporated, and you have a smooth, light mixture that will layer beautifully over your pretzel crust.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, using a spoon or an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Make sure to create a smooth, even layer; this will be the base for the fruity topping.
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 to 60 minutes. This will allow the cream cheese layer to set slightly before adding the gelatin topping.
- Now, let’s prepare the gelatin layer! In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in the gelatin mix. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, which will help prevent it from melting the cream cheese layer when added.
- After the gelatin has cooled, stir in the frozen strawberries and crushed pineapple. The combination of these fruits will add a refreshing burst of flavor to the topping.
- Carefully pour the strawberry and pineapple mixture over the cream cheese layer. Ensure it's spread evenly so that each slice will have plenty of fruity goodness.
- Return the baking dish to the refrigerator and allow the salad to chill for 6 to 8 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. Patience is key here!
- Once it’s set, slice the Sugar Free Pretzel Salad into squares and serve with a dollop of sugar-free whipped topping and sliced strawberries for garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain good for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the salad for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving again.
- Pairing: This salad pairs well with fruits like strawberries and blueberries, enhancing the fresh fruit taste.
- Serving Size: Cut into smaller squares for a delightful dessert bite that’s perfect for gatherings.
- Variations: Feel free to mix in other fruits like bananas or sliced peaches for a unique twist.