Vegan Pretzel Salad

Total time4 hr 40 min

Prep time30 min

Cook time10 min

4.6

(20)

This layered dessert is the kind of showstopper that disappears fast at a potluck — salty, crunchy pretzel crust on the bottom, a silky vanilla cream in the middle, and a glossy strawberry topping that sets up beautifully on top. The classic version of this retro dish relies heavily on cream cheese and gelatin, but this one pulls off the same dreamy texture using blended soaked cashews, full-fat coconut milk, and agar-agar powder instead. The result is a cream layer that is genuinely rich and smooth, not a compromise. Agar-agar does the same setting work as gelatin without any animal-derived ingredients, so every layer firms up cleanly in the fridge. A double chill — two hours for the cream, then two more after the strawberries go on — is the key to getting those picture-perfect slices. With 12 squares per dish, it is an ideal make-ahead option for gatherings where you want something impressive without spending the whole day in the kitchen. Serve it straight from the fridge and watch it vanish.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the crust

3 cups mini pretzels, crushed
3 tbsp organic cane sugar
6 tbsp vegan butter, melted

For the cream layer

1 ½ cups raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours, then drained
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
⅓ cup organic cane sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ tsp agar-agar powder
3 tbsp cold water

For the strawberry topping

1 lb fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup organic cane sugar
1 cup water
1 ½ tsp agar-agar powder
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, stir together the crushed pretzels, 3 tbsp organic cane sugar, and melted vegan butter until the pretzels are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2
Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, until set and lightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool completely, about 20 minutes, before adding the cream layer.

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