Low-Sugar Strawberry Crackle Salad

Still sweet, still fluffy, still delicious — just lighter and friendlier for those watching sugar intake.

📝 Low-Sugar Ingredients (Serves 10–12)

For the Crackle Layer

• 2 cups crushed unsalted pretzels (or low-carb pretzels if preferred)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 2–3 tbsp brown sugar substitute (Swerve Brown / Lakanto Golden)

For the Creamy Filling

• 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (Swerve or Monk Fruit)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz sugar-free Cool Whip or homemade unsweetened whipped cream

For the Strawberry Layer

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• Optional: 1 tsp regular sugar or 1 tbsp sugar substitute to help release juices (not required)

🍽️ Instructions (Same as original, but healthier)

1. Make the Crackle

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix pretzels, pecans, butter, and sugar substitute.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake 7–9 minutes.
4. Let it cool fully, then break into chunks.

2. Make the Creamy Base

1. Beat cream cheese, powdered sweetener, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Fold in sugar-free Cool Whip.

3. Prep Strawberries

Chop, then lightly pat dry to avoid a watery salad.

4. Assemble

Fold crackle and strawberries into the creamy mixture.
Chill 1 hour before serving.

📌 Notes for Low-Sugar Success

• Taste the creamy filling before adding berries — add more sweetener only if needed.
• Using sugar-free sweeteners keeps it sweet without spiking carbs.
• Let the crackle cool completely so it stays crisp.
• Sugar-free Cool Whip makes the biggest difference in cutting sugar.

💡 Tips

• For keto-friendly: replace pretzels with keto granola.
• For extra flavor without sugar, add lemon zest or 1–2 drops of almond extract.
• Use very sweet ripe strawberries so you don’t need added sugar.

📊 Low-Sugar Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

(Based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 210–240
• Protein: 2–3g
• Carbs: 10–14g (depending on pretzels & sweeteners)
• Sugar: ~3–5g (mostly natural from strawberries)
• Fat: 16–19g

🌟 Benefits of the Low-Sugar Version

• Much lower sugar than original
• Still has crunch + creaminess
• Kid-friendly
• Great for diabetics or low-carb lifestyles
• No artificial taste when using good sweeteners