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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/apple-cinnamon-pretzel-salad-recipe/