Introduction

Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert combining the tartness of Granny Smith apples with a sweet cinnamon sauce, creamy filling, and a crunchy pretzel crust. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you want a unique treat that balances sweet and salty flavors.

The image shows a glass rectangular dish with a dessert having multiple layers. The bottom layer is a crumbly dark brown crust, followed by a thick white creamy layer above it. On top of the creamy layer is a thin sticky caramel-looking layer, and the top is covered with a thick crumble topping that is golden brown and textured with small bits of nuts or crumbs. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with two green apples in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into small pieces

1½ cups water

¾ cup sugar (for apple topping)

¼ cup cornstarch

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 cups crushed pretzels

¼ cup sugar (for pretzel crust)

½ cup butter, melted

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

8 oz Cool Whip

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: For the apple cinnamon topping, combine water, cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly and bring to a boil.

Step 2: Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced apples, stir well, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Set aside.

Step 3: For the pretzel crust, mix crushed pretzels, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

Step 4: Press the remaining pretzel mixture firmly into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Step 5: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add Cool Whip and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined.

Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Refrigerate until chilled.

Step 7: Once chilled, spoon the cooled apple cinnamon topping over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved pretzel mixture over the apples.

Step 8: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours until set. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness and maintain a firm texture.

For extra crunch, add chopped nuts to the pretzel crust mixture.

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the apple topping slightly.

Try adding a dash of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sauce for extra warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, but tart apples like Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape and complement the sweetness well. Softer or sweeter apples might become mushy and overly sweet.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dessert actually benefits from chilling, so making it the day before allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly.