Who remembers the traditional strawberry pretzel pie? I'm talking a casserole dish full of buttery pretzel crust, the OG strawberry Jell-O, and topped with a thick layer of Cool Whip? This was a classic in my house, and this is one recipe where the classic is still so delicious. I'll whip up that jello any day. However, I also believe that everything can be tested upon and so I did a little experimenting to try and create a more upscale version of this time-honored summer dessert. My Strawberry Pretzel Pie uses a homemade cream filling and macerated strawberry topping to elevate the flavors, and I've got to say, this pie went just as quickly. Not to mention, I made versions using dairy-free and gluten-free items to help ensure everyone can try this yummy treat!

By | June 27, 2022

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 8-10 Pieces
Crust
  • 4 cups Pretzels (we used glutino’s gluten free for our GF friends!)
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
  • 1 Stick (1/2 cup) Butter (can use ghee or avocado oil butter for DF)
Filling
  • 1/2 cup Strawberry Preserves or Jam
  • 12 oz. Cream Cheese (can use your fav dairy-free version if needed)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or Soy Milk
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Topping
  • 2 cups Sliced strawberries, the thinner the better
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 1-2 tablespoons Sugar

Preparation

To Be Ready

For this recipe, make sure you have either a pie dish or an 8x8 casserole dish. You can make this pie one of two ways: refrigerated and creamy or frozen like ice cream; if you choose to make a frozen pie, build that into your overall timeline. You will also need a standing mixer or hand mixer to make the cream filling. 

Instructions

How to Do It:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

  2. In a food processor, crush the pretzels until there is only a few chunks left. Then add the melted stick of butter and maple syrup. Pulse until the mixture is moist and well combined.

  3. Grease a pie pan and then pour the crust into the pan. Bake for 8 minutes. 

  4. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. Start by beating together the cream cheese and powdered sugar on high for about 2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. 

  5. Add the cream 1/4 cup at a time (we ended up stopping after 1/2 cup when using soy milk to keep it from getting too runny). Then add the vanilla. 

  6. Once combined, use a spatula to stir the strawberry jam until it’s swirled into the cream. 

  7. Spoon the cream into the crust and chill for 3-4 hours. You can also freeze for a frozen pie. 

  8. Before serving, macerate the strawberries by putting the sugar and lemon zest on top, stirring, and letting them sit for 10-15 minutes. Top the pie with the strawberries and enjoy!

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 8-10 Pieces
Crust
  • 4 cups Pretzels (we used glutino’s gluten free for our GF friends!)
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
  • 1 Stick (1/2 cup) Butter (can use ghee or avocado oil butter for DF)
Filling
  • 1/2 cup Strawberry Preserves or Jam
  • 12 oz. Cream Cheese (can use your fav dairy-free version if needed)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or Soy Milk
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Topping
  • 2 cups Sliced strawberries, the thinner the better
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 1-2 tablespoons Sugar