Description
Apple Pretzel Salad is a fall-inspired twist on the classic strawberry pretzel salad. It features a crunchy pretzel crust, sweetened cream cheese filling, and spiced or caramel apple topping that perfectly balances flavor and texture — a true comfort dessert in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust:
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2 cups crushed salted pretzels
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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⅓ cup sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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8 oz Cool Whip (or whipped topping), thawed
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Apple Topping (two options):
Option 1 (Simplified):
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2 (20 oz) cans apple pie filling
Option 2 (Homemade Apple Cinnamon Topping):
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4–5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
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½ lemon, juiced
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1 cup sugar
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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¹⁄₈ teaspoon nutmeg
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Pinch of salt
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½ cup water
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2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Optional Additions:
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Drizzle caramel sauce for garnish
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Chopped pecans or toffee bits for crunch
Instructions
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Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool completely before adding the next layer. -
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until fluffy. Fold in whipped topping until fully combined. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set. -
Prepare the Apple Topping:
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For canned: Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the cream layer.
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For homemade: In a saucepan, combine apples, lemon juice, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until apples soften. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Cool completely before layering.
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Assemble and Chill:
Spread the apple topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate for 2–4 hours or overnight before serving. -
Serve:
Top with caramel drizzle, toasted pecans, or whipped cream if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 25–30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–4 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Salad
- Method: Baking & Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (~1/12 pan)
- Calories: 320–380
- Sugar: 28–36g
- Sodium: 200–280mg
- Fat: 18–24g
- Saturated Fat: 10–13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6–9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38–45g
- Fiber: 2–3g
- Protein: 3–5g
- Cholesterol: 45–65mg