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- 1 ½ cups pretzel crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup brown sugar - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 large eggs - 1 cup sour cream - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 cup strawberry gelatin powder - 1 ¼ cups boiling water The crust of these bars uses pretzel crumbs. They add a nice salty crunch. Mixing them with melted butter and brown sugar makes a sweet base. The cream cheese filling is rich and creamy. You blend it with sugar and vanilla for flavor. Adding eggs helps it set perfectly when baked. Sour cream gives it a nice tang and creaminess. Fresh strawberries are key for that fruity topping. You mix them with strawberry gelatin. The boiling water helps dissolve the gelatin. This mixture adds a bright, sweet layer on top. - Whipped cream for topping - Mint leaves for garnish Whipped cream can add a creamy touch on top. Mint leaves give a fresh look and taste. They make your bars feel fancy and special. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Make the crust by combining pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. To start, you want your oven warm. Preheating helps the crust set just right. While it warms up, mix the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Make sure it blends well. This mixture gives a sweet and salty flavor, which is key to this recipe. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish evenly. After that, bake it for 10 minutes. When it’s done, let it cool while you work on the filling. - Beat cream cheese until creamy, then add sugar and vanilla. - Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream. Now, grab a large bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. You want it nice and creamy. Once it’s smooth, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Mix those in until smooth again. Next, add the eggs. Do this one at a time and mix well after each egg. Finally, fold in the sour cream. This adds richness and a lovely texture to your filling. - Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes. - Let the cheesecake cool on a wire rack before adding topping. Pour this creamy filling over your cooled pretzel crust. Spread it evenly. Now, bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set, but the center should still jiggle a bit. After baking, let the cheesecake cool on a wire rack. This cooling step is important for the topping to stick well. - Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water and mix with sliced strawberries. - Pour the topping over the cooled cheesecake and refrigerate. To make the topping, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in 1 ¼ cups of boiling water. Stir until it’s all mixed. Let it cool for a bit. Then, add the sliced strawberries to the gelatin mixture. Once your cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, pour this fruity topping over it. After that, refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours. For the best taste, leave them overnight if you can. - Use finely crushed pretzel crumbs for best results. They give a nice crunch. - Ensure the crust is cool before adding the cheesecake layer. This keeps layers from mixing. - Avoid overmixing the cheesecake filling to keep it light and fluffy. - Bake until the center still has a slight jiggle. This means it’s creamy, not overcooked. - Chill in the fridge overnight for enhanced flavor. It allows the tastes to meld well. - Serve with fresh strawberries or whipped cream on top. This adds a nice touch to your dessert. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavors of these bars in fun ways. - Mixed Berries: Instead of using only strawberries, try mixed berries. This gives a nice fruit medley taste. - Different Gelatin Flavors: Swap strawberry gelatin for raspberry or peach. This adds a unique twist to each bite. You can also adjust the recipe for different diets. - Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free version. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat. - Lighter Version: Choose low-fat cream cheese and sugar alternatives. This keeps the taste but makes it lighter for those watching their intake. These variations help everyone enjoy Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Bars their way! Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them before serving to enjoy their full flavor. You do not need to reheat these bars. They taste best when served chilled. If you freeze them, allow the bars to thaw in the fridge before enjoying. This keeps the texture and flavor just right. Yes, they can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This makes them ideal for gatherings. Just remember to cover them well to keep them fresh. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices. This will help keep each bar intact. A little patience goes a long way here! Yes, consider drizzling chocolate sauce or adding nuts for extra flavor. You can also use whipped cream or fresh berries for a fun twist. Get creative with your toppings! You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Both work well in this recipe and keep the texture creamy. Baking helps set the filling; skipping it may result in a runny texture. If you want a firmer bar, don’t skip this step! Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Bars are a tasty treat that blends sweet and salty. We covered the required ingredients, from pretzel crumbs to fresh strawberries. The step-by-step process ensures a smooth bake. You can customize your dessert with variations or store leftovers easily. Remember, chilling enhances the flavor. Enjoy sharing these bars with friends and family. Your time in the kitchen will be worth it when everyone loves the results!

Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in a delightful treat with these Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Bars! This easy recipe features a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a fresh strawberry topping that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, these bars will wow your guests. Click to explore this scrumptious recipe and learn how to make these mouthwatering dessert bars that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups pretzel crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup brown sugar

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup strawberry gelatin powder

1 ¼ cups boiling water

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until well blended. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.

      Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, fold in the sour cream until fully incorporated.

        Pour the Filling: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, spreading it evenly.

          Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

            Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let it cool slightly, then add in the sliced strawberries.

              Assemble: Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, pour the strawberry topping over the cheesecake layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

                Cut and Serve: Once set, carefully cut the cheesecake into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy!

                  Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 4 hr 30 min | Servings: 12 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve on a white platter with a sprig of mint on each bar for a pop of color, and drizzle with a bit of strawberry sauce for extra flair.