Light Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cupcakes Recipe

Craving a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the crunch of pretzels? These Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cupcakes are the perfect solution! They capture the essence of a classic dessert while keeping the calories in check, making them an ideal guilt-free indulgence.

With a delicious blend of creamy layers and a salty-sweet pretzel crust, these cupcakes will surely impress at any gathering. Plus, they are fun to serve and even more enjoyable to eat. Perfect for summer barbecues or potlucks, this recipe is here to brighten your dessert table.

Tempting Strawberry Pretzel Cupcakes

Light Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cupcakes offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Their combination of textures—from the crunchy pretzel crust to the smooth cream cheese filling—creates a taste experience that captivates the senses.

Each cupcake is crowned with a vibrant topping of fresh strawberries, glazed in gelatin, which adds a burst of color and flavor. The presentation is mouth-watering, making them perfect for summer gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients That Shine

The simplicity of the ingredients used in these cupcakes contributes to their charm. A handful of staples such as crushed pretzels, butter, and reduced-fat cream cheese come together to create a delicious base.

Fresh strawberries play a starring role, bringing brightness and sweetness that perfectly complements the salty pretzel crust. This balance of flavors is what makes these cupcakes so appealing—and healthy!

Preparation Steps

Crafting these cupcakes begins with preparing the pretzel crust. Mixing crushed pretzels with melted butter and sugar creates a base that is both crunchy and sweet. After pressing the mixture into cupcake liners, a brief baking session brings out its golden color.

Next, a smooth cream cheese layer is made by beating together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, followed by folding in light whipped topping. This step adds a fluffy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crust.

Strawberry Glaze Perfection

The topping is where the magic truly happens. Dissolving strawberry gelatin in boiling water provides a glossy exterior for the fresh strawberries. Once the gelatin cools slightly, it is combined with sliced strawberries to create a refreshing finish that ties the entire cupcake together.

After assembling the cupcakes, a chill in the refrigerator allows the layers to meld beautifully, resulting in an irresistible treat that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are a show-stopper for summer barbecues and potlucks. Their individual servings make them easy to distribute, and they pair wonderfully with other seasonal treats.

Consider serving them on a rustic wooden platter, surrounded by fresh strawberries for added flair. The light and airy atmosphere they create is sure to evoke smiles and compliments from guests.

Nutritional Benefits

For those mindful of their diet, these cupcakes offer a guilt-free indulgence. With reduced-fat cream cheese and a measured amount of sugar, they provide a satisfying dessert without overwhelming calorie counts.

Each cupcake contains 220 calories, making them a lighter option when compared to traditional desserts. Enjoying one—or two—will leave you feeling refreshed rather than weighed down.

Deliciously Light Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cupcakes

These Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cupcakes feature a crunchy pretzel base, a smooth and creamy filling, and a luscious strawberry topping. Each cupcake is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed pretzels
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 package (8 oz) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup light whipped topping
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup strawberry gelatin powder
• 1/2 cup boiling water

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. Prepare Pretzel Crust: In a bowl, mix together crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each cupcake liner to form a crust.
3. Bake: Bake the pretzel crusts for about 8-10 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
4. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the light whipped topping until well combined. Spoon this mixture into each cupcake liner over the cooled pretzel crust.
5. Prepare Strawberry Topping: In a separate bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin powder in boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly, then mix in the sliced strawberries.
6. Assemble Cupcakes: Carefully spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in each cupcake.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cupcakes for at least 2 hours to set before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories: 220kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g

Table of Suitable Diets and Adjustments