Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that combines tart apples, warm cinnamon, and a salty pretzel crust with a creamy filling. This layered dish is perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Its balance of flavors and textures makes it irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into small pieces
• 1½ cups water
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the diced apples to the thickened sauce. Stir and let simmer for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Mix crushed pretzels, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Save 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
4. Step 4: Press the remaining pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add Cool Whip and vanilla extract, then beat until combined.
6. Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Chill in the refrigerator until firm.
7. Step 7: Once chilled, spoon the apple cinnamon topping over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved pretzel mixture on top.
8. Step 8: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours until fully set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• To make the crust less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly or use salted pretzels for extra contrast.
• For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the apple layer before adding the pretzel topping.
• If you prefer a firmer filling, chill the cream cheese mixture for a bit longer before spreading the apple topping.

Storage

Store the Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve for best texture. Reheat is not recommended, as the pretzel crust may lose its crunch and the filling may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute other firm and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Avoid very sweet or soft apples as they may become mushy after cooking.

Can this dessert be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better when chilled for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.

Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 134 reviews

Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and a warm spiced apple topping. This no-bake dessert combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweetness of cinnamon syrup, balanced by a crunchy and buttery pretzel base, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Cinnamon Topping

• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into small pieces
• 1½ cups water
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Pretzel Crust

• 2 cups crushed pretzels (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Apple Cinnamon Topping: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced apples, stir them in, and let the mixture simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the topping to cool completely before setting aside.
2. Make the Pretzel Crust: In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and allow the crust to cool completely.
3. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add the Cool Whip and vanilla extract, then continue beating until fully combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Salad: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator until chilled and set, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Add Apple Layer and Topping: Once chilled, spoon the cooled apple cinnamon topping over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved pretzel mixture over the apples as the final crunchy layer.
6. Final Chill and Serve: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours to allow the dessert to set fully. Serve chilled and enjoy the harmonious layers of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy textures.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
• Reserve some crushed pretzels before baking for sprinkling on top to maintain crunchiness.
• This dessert is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness; other crisp apples may alter the flavor balance.
• If Cool Whip is not available, whipped cream can be used as a substitute but may affect texture slightly.

Keywords: apple cinnamon salad, pretzel dessert, layered dessert, easy apple dessert, sweet and crunchy dessert