Description
With layers of salty crunch, creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping, Cherry Pretzel Squares are the ultimate retro dessert with a refreshing twist. This quick dessert idea combines the magic of sweet and salty, making it a go-to for summer gatherings, easy dinner parties, or whenever you need a chilled make-ahead treat. Whether you’re looking for picnic food ideas or a crowd-pleasing potluck dessert, this easy recipe delivers on taste, texture, and nostalgia.
Ingredients
2 cups crushed salted pretzels
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
8 ounces whipped topping
6 ounces cherry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups cold water
21 ounces canned cherry pie filling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar. Press into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bake crust for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.
3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
4. Spread cream layer over cooled crust, sealing to the edges. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. In another bowl, dissolve cherry gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cold water and let cool to room temperature.
6. Mix in cherry pie filling, then gently pour over cream layer.
7. Chill for at least 4 hours or until fully set. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Be sure the crust cools fully before adding the cream layer to prevent sogginess.
Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
Gently spread layers to edges for even results and clean slices.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, oven-baked crust
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cherry pretzel dessert, picnic dessert, potluck dessert, sweet and salty dessert