Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Cheeseball: A Delightful Party Treat
Imagine biting into a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy all in one delightful bite. That’s exactly what the Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Cheeseball offers — a show-stopping treat that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. If you love the nostalgic combination of strawberries and cream mixed with a salty crunch, this recipe will become an instant favorite at your gatherings.
This no-bake cheeseball is a creative twist on classic cheesecake, turning it into a party-ready appetizer that’s easy to make but feels gourmet. The salty pretzel crust meets the rich and creamy cheesecake filling, dotted with fresh strawberries for a burst of fruity freshness. Finished with a topping of crushed pretzels and more strawberries, it’s a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table. Plus, it’s easy to customize or prepare ahead, making it an ideal recipe for holidays, potlucks, or family celebrations.
Ingredients
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- For the Pretzel Coating:
- 2 cups (100 g) pretzels, crushed into small pieces
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
- Additional crushed pretzels (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pretzel coating first: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and slightly sticky.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and continue beating until fully incorporated and creamy.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined, being careful not to deflate the airiness of the whipped cream.
- Fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries evenly through the cheesecake mixture, adding a fruity texture and flavor.
- Place a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface and spoon the cheesecake mixture onto the center. Using the plastic wrap, shape the mixture into a round cheeseball, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let it set.
- Once set, roll the cheeseball in the pretzel coating mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well and covers the entire surface.
- Transfer the coated cheeseball to a serving plate and garnish with sliced fresh strawberries and additional crushed pretzels, if desired.
- Serve chilled with graham crackers, pretzels, or fresh fruit slices for dipping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow the cheeseball to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: At least 4 hours (preferably overnight)
- Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling and to avoid lumps.
- Whip the heavy cream just until stiff peaks form; over-whipping can cause the mixture to become grainy.
- For a more robust flavor, try adding a tablespoon of strawberry jam or a few drops of lemon juice to the cheesecake mixture.
- If you prefer a sweeter coating, increase the granulated sugar slightly in the pretzel mixture.
- For best texture, crush pretzels into varying sizes — some fine crumbs and some small chunks for added crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- This cheeseball can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Conclusion
The Strawberry Pretzel Cheesecake Cheeseball is truly a dessert that brings everyone together. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual get-together, or simply craving something sweet and salty, this cheeseball will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Serve it with some graham crackers, more fresh strawberries, or even pretzel sticks for dipping, and watch it disappear in no time. Don’t forget to share your experience and photos in the comments below — I’d love to hear how your cheesecake cheeseball turned out!