Week 22: Strawberry Pretzel Cupcakes

Pretzel crust

Use something flat to press down in liner.

All baked and crunchy.

Strawberry Deliciousness.

Close-up to this beauty.

My kids love strawberry pretzel salad. I am sure you know what I am talking about. The pretzel crust, strawberry jello and finally, a layer of cream cheese on top. I had an idea to deconstruct this salad and make a cupcake. I am kind of enjoying doing that. It is fun to think of our favorite things to eat and make them into a cupcake. These turned out just as I had hoped. Delicious. Here's the recipe:

Pretzel Crust

2 cups crushed pretzels
3 tbsp. sugar
3/4 cup melted butter

Combine all ingredients. Place 1-2 tbsp. in bottom cupcake liner. Press firmly. I used the bottom a 1/4 measuring cup. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 min. Allow to cool completely. I placed in freezer for approximately 10 minutes.

Cupcake

1 box of Strawberry Supreme Cake Mix
3 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup sour cream
1 cup dried strawberries
1/3 cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Sift cake mix. Mix remaining ingredients except dried strawberries. Add to sifted cake mix. Mix well. Add dried strawberries. Cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 8 oz. package cream cheese at room temperature
1/2 cup margarine
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract

On low, mix all ingredients until combined. Mix on medium high for approximately 2 minutes until fluffy. Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with a dried strawberry and crushed pretzel crumbs.