Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad
Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad is a layered dessert with a sweet-salty pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and warm cinnamon-spiced apple topping. It’s the perfect mix of textures—crunchy, creamy, and fruity—for a comforting treat that feels like apple pie meets dessert salad.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered and Chilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Apple Cinnamon Topping:
4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Pretzel Crust:
2 cups crushed pretzels
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz Cool Whip (whipped topping)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the Apple Cinnamon Topping: In a saucepan, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Add diced apples and simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust: Mix crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Reserve 1 cup for topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Fold in Cool Whip and vanilla until well combined. Spread evenly over the cooled crust and refrigerate until firm.
- Assemble the Salad: Spoon the cooled apple mixture evenly over the cream layer. Sprinkle the reserved pretzel mixture on top for crunch.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or overnight before serving. Serve chilled.
Notes
Make sure both the crust and apple topping are completely cool before assembling to prevent sogginess.
Try different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweeter flavor.
Top with caramel drizzle or candied pecans for extra indulgence.
Use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip if preferred.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; not recommended for freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/apple-cinnamon-pretzel-salad/
