Strawberry Crackle Salad (Printer-friendly)
Strawberries in sweet gelatin, a whipped cream-cheese layer, and a caramelized crisp rice pecan crackle.
# What You Need:
→ Strawberry Base
01 - 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
03 - 1 cup boiling water
04 - 1/2 cup cold water
05 - 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
06 - 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
→ Creamy Layer
07 - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
08 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
→ Crackle Topping
10 - 2 cups crisped rice cereal (e.g., Rice Krispies)
11 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans
12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar
# How to Make It:
01 - Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water in a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water to cool slightly.
02 - Add sliced strawberries, drained crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows to the gelatin mixture. Fold gently to combine without breaking the fruit. Pour into a 9x13-inch dish and refrigerate until fully set, approximately 2 hours.
03 - In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until completely smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until evenly combined. Spread the mixture over the set strawberry layer in an even layer.
04 - Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the rice cereal and chopped pecans, stirring constantly for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly caramelized and golden. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread in a thin layer to cool completely.
05 - Just before serving, sprinkle the cooled crackle topping evenly over the creamy layer. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That crackle topping surprises everyone and makes them ask what your secret is.
- It looks fancy but the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes of active work.
02 -
- Do not skip the chilling time because a warm or loose gelatin layer will tear when you spread the cream cheese on top.
- Keep the crackle topping separate until the very last minute or it will go soft and lose everything that makes it special.
03 -
- Hull and slice your strawberries the night before and keep them in the fridge so assembly goes faster.
- Stir the crackle topping constantly and do not walk away because it goes from golden to burnt in seconds.