Craving a sweet and salty treat? Discover how to make irresistible Cherry Pretzel Squares that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Ready to indulge?
Author:Emily Cookson
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:16 squares
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 cups of pretzels, chopped
3/4 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of melted butter
1 package (8 ounces) of softened cream cheese
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 container (8 ounces) of thawed frozen whipped dessert topping
2 cans (21 ounces each) of Lucky Leaf® cherry fruit filling or topping (regular, premium, or organic)
Instructions
Start your culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The first task at hand is preparing the pretzel crust. Grab 3 cups of fresh, crispy salted pretzels, and crush them into coarse crumbs. Feel the crunch as bits of pretzel crumble beneath your touch—either using a food processor or a trusty rolling pin. Now, mix these crunchy crumbs with 3/4 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar in a medium bowl. Blend the ingredients until they resemble sticky, fragrant sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish, ensuring an even layer. This will bake into a crisp, aromatic crust. Pop it into the oven for about 10 minutes, and take a moment to revel in the toasty aroma wafting from the oven. Once baked, set it aside to cool completely.
While your crust is cooling, it’s time to make the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, soften 8 oz. of cream cheese. Beat until it reaches a creamy and lump-free consistency. Gradually incorporate 1 cup of powdered sugar, sifting as you go to maintain a smooth, airy texture. Fold in 8 oz. of thawed whipped dessert topping. Do so gently to preserve the whipped texture; you’ll notice a light, velvety cream beginning to form.
Next, it’s time to assemble the layers. Once your crust has cooled to room temperature, gently spread the cream cheese mixture over it. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer, as smoothness is key to providing a balanced flavor in every bite. Carefully spoon 2 cans of cherry pie filling over the top, distributing the juicy cherries evenly across the creamy expanse.
Now, let your creation refrigerate and garnish. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This wait will enable the layers to meld into a harmonious treat. Before serving, scatter a handful of broken pretzels on top for added crunch and visual appeal. Cut into squares, and savor the delightful textures and sweet-tart flavor with every bite.