Easy Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dip Dessert Recipe

This simple layered dip starts with a sweet cream with fresh strawberries on top. When eaten with our special homemade sugared pretzels, the flavor sensation mimics our favorite local dessert, strawberry pretzel salad (which is in no way a salad…why do they call it that?). It’s the perfect refreshing and cravable simple dessert.

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make strawberry pretzel salad dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, the perfect ending to any meal. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 8oz package cream cheese-softened
• 3 Tbsp salted butter-softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Milk or cream
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (diced)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• Crushed sugared pretzels for garnish

ingredient information:

• Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
• Salted butter: Use whatever butter you have in your fridge, which for me happened to be Kerrygold salted butter.
• Strawberries: We live in a day and age when there is no off season for strawberries. How lucky are we? To choose the best and sweetest, I always give them a sniff at the grocery store. Just because they’re red doesn’t mean they’ll be good, but you can never go wrong if they have that sweet strawberry smell to them. For this recipe choose a size that not too big or too small so that you can fit several on top.
• Milk or cream: The milk in this recipe is only used if you need to alter the consistency of the creamy base. You can use any type of unflavored milk or cream for this.
• Powdered Sugar: This is not to be confused with white sugar. It’s very finely milled and combined with a small amount of an anti clumping agent so that it appears like snow. It melts into the cream cheese to form the perfect creamy base to take on other flavors.
• Sugar: We used basic white sugar in this recipe, but you could also swap it out for some brown sugar or honey but reduce the amount by half.
• Vanilla: A quality vanilla really does elevate any recipe. Skip the imitation and use a quality vanilla extract instead.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar is simply white sugar mixed with molasses that gives it that caramel coloring. We chose light brown sugar for this recipe, but you can also use dark brown sugar with little difference in the overall flavor. Be sure to pack it down when measuring.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll tell you what dipper is a must.

1. Dice the strawberries and place in a bowl. Coat with the granular sugar. Set aside.
2. With a hand mixer, blend together cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla.
3. Then slowly mix in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Add milk or cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
5. Spread the mixture onto a small serving platter or plate.
6. Spoon the sugared strawberries over the cream.
7. Garnish with crumbled pretzels or sugared pretzels.

my recipe tips

• Reduce moisture: When sugar is added to the strawberries, they will release quite a bit of juice, especially if they sit for a bit in the sugar. If you see a lot of juice, use a slotted spoon to add them to the top of the cream.
• Change out the fruit: Even though this is called strawberry pretzel dip, you could change up the fruit for a new taste sensation. Some options would include pineapple, mango, peaches or even sugared grapes (cut in half).

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

There are lots of things that you can dip into this delicious strawberry pretzel salad dip, but there’s only one that completes the dish perfectly. We specifically made sugared pretzels to pair with this dip to finish off the flavor profile perfectly. You can find the simple recipe HERE. Of course, you can also use regular pretzels in a pinch.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this brownie bits dip and this smash burger dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

DATE NIGHT DIP

This is the kind of dip that I like to create for a cozy night in with the hubby. It goes together quickly and easily. Plus, the serving size is small, and it’s a light dip that we can enjoy without guilt that we’ll regret the calories the next day. Pair it with your favorite drink, like the super fun dirty sodas and other amazing mixed drinks over on Instagram with @ashleylaurentassano. Add a good movie, and you have the perfect date night in.

start with the right tools

The main kitchen tool that you’ll need to make this dip is a simple hand mixer. I think that we still have the one that we received as a wedding gift 30 years ago now. Those things last forever. However, if you’re looking to buy your first ever or just want an upgrade, check out THIS ONE or THIS ONE. They’re both reasonably priced, work great and add a little style to your dip making experience. Pair it with this set of mixing bowls that comes in a variety of colors.

recipe notes

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
• Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture. You will also want to remove any pretzels garnishes before storing because they will become soggy.
• Dip prep: You can prepare the elements of this dip ahead of time, but wait until it’s time to serve to assemble the layers.