Discovering NC Agriculture: Winning Recipe with NC Strawberries

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Discovering NC Agriculture is a year-long series focusing on twelve N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Tune in each month to see how an N.C. commodity is grown, harvested, packed for consumer use and more. Learn nutritional value, find fun recipes to try, hear from local chefs who use that product, and other unique commodity facts throughout the series. We look forward to helping you better understand some of our N.C. commodities and how they impact your everyday lives! 

Fresh, local strawberries can be found at farmers markets, roadside stands, and grocery stores across our state throughout the spring! Did you know that many farmers markets, including our state-operated farmers markets, host Strawberry Days at the Market? In fact, last year at our State Farmers Market in Raleigh, a Strawberry Recipe Contest was held for members of the community!

Although many delicious dishes were showcased and sampled. it was Bobbie Pope from Clayton that took home the blue ribbon with her Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. Not only does it feature in-season strawberries, but many other delicious ingredients like cream cheese, sugar and pretzels. Stock up on fresh strawberries from a store near you and try it for yourself today!

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

By: Bobbie Pope

Ingredients 

For the crust:
  • 2 cups of crushed pretzels (about 8 ounces of whole pretzels)
  • 3/4 cup of butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons of sugar
For the filling: 
  • 2 cups of whipped topping
  • 1 package (8 ounce) of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup of sugar
For the topping: 
  • 2 packages (3 ounces each) of strawberry gelatin
  • 2 cups of boiling water
  • 3 cups of fresh or frozen sliced strawberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  2. In a bowl, combine pretzels, butter and sugar. Press into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish.
  3. Bake for ten minutes and cool on a wire rack.
  4. Prepare the filling:
    1. Beat the whipped topping, cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
    2. Spread over the pretzel crust.
    3. Refrigerate until chilled.
  5. Prepare the topping:
    1. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl.
    2. Stir in fresh or frozen sliced strawberries and chill until partially set.
    3. Carefully spoon over the filling.
  6. Chill for 4-6 hours or until firm.
  7. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: 
  • Total Prep Time: 20 minutes 
  • Total Baking Time: 10 minutes + chilling time
  • Makes: 12-16 servings 
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