Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert combining a crunchy pretzel crust with a creamy cream cheese filling and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple topping. This no-bake salad is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, blending tangy apples and a hint of cinnamon with a buttery pretzel base for a balance of textures and flavors.
- 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
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
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the 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, and let the mixture simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely before setting aside.
- Make the Pretzel Crust: In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter together until well combined. Reserve 1 cup of this pretzel mixture for the topping. Press the remaining pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Using a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the Cool Whip and vanilla extract, then continue beating until fully combined and smooth.
- 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 1 hour.
- Add the Topping: Once chilled, spoon the cooled apple cinnamon mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of pretzel mixture on top of the apples.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or until firmly set. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the apples topping is fully cooled before adding to prevent the cream cheese layer from melting.
- Press the pretzel crust firmly to avoid crumbling when slicing.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a less sweet version, reduce sugar in the apple topping or cream cheese filling slightly.
Keywords: apple cinnamon pretzel salad, layered dessert, pretzel crust dessert, cream cheese salad, no-bake dessert, fruit dessert
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/apple-cinnamon-pretzel-salad-recipe/
