Cherry Pretzel Dessert

This cherry pretzel dessert shines in the summer if you’re feeling like a chilled treat. It’s also extra comforting and will stand out on a holiday spread. To understand why this humble sweet is so delicious, just take a look at its layers: Crushed salty pretzels, sugar and butter form the crust. Cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and whipped cream get mixed together into a velvety cheesecake-like filling. Next comes the canned cherry pie filling, delivering those fruity bites. Finally, a garnish of crunchy pretzels. Serve it at any gathering—we promise your guests will go in for seconds.  

Cherry Pretzel Dessert Ingredients

• Crust: We crush pretzels and mix them with sugar and melted butter to form the crust of this pretzel, cherry, cream cheese dessert. 
• Cream cheese filling: To create a light and airy cheesecake-like filling, we blend cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and whipped topping.
• Cherry pie filling: To save time preparing this dessert, we rely on canned pie filling, but if you’d like to make your own cherry pie filling, that’s an option.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the crust

In a large bowl, toss 1-1/2 cups of the crushed pretzels with the sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture into an ungreased 13×9-inch dish.

Step 2: Make the cream cheese filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping.

Step 3: Assemble the cherry pretzel dessert

Spread half the cream cheese mixture over the pretzel crust. Top that with the cherry pie filling, then spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining crushed pretzels. Cover the dessert and refrigerate it overnight before serving.

Cherry Pretzel Dessert Variations

• Make a graham cracker crust: Instead of the pretzels, crush graham crackers and use those for the crust. 
• Swap out the cherries: Instead of cherry pie filling, try using canned blueberry or apple pie filling.
• Add coconut: For additional texture and sweetness in this dessert, fold shredded coconut into the cream cheese filling. 

How to Store Cherry Pretzel Dessert

To maintain its texture and flavor, store the cherry pretzel dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Can you make this cherry pretzel dessert ahead of time?

If you plan to host a dinner party, you can easily prepare this cherry pretzel dessert in advance. Follow the recipe, store it in the fridge for up to three days and take it out when you’re ready to serve.

Can you freeze this cherry pretzel dessert recipe?

If you have leftover cherry pretzel dessert, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months. Just let it sit at room temperature before serving to restore its creamy and airy consistency.

How long does cherry pretzel dessert last?

You can store the leftover cherry, pretzel, cream cheese dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to two months.

Cherry Pretzel Dessert Tips

Do you have to bake the crust in this recipe?

You don’t have to bake the crust in this recipe, since we crush the pretzels and mix them with sugar and butter. When it sits in the fridge overnight, the butter solidifies, helping the crust set.

Can you make a vegan version of this cherry pretzel dessert?

To turn this into a vegan dessert, swap out the cream cheese, whipped topping and butter for vegan alternatives. Then follow the recipe according to the instructions. The taste may vary from the original, but it will taste just as good.

Can you make homemade whipped topping for this recipe?

If you have extra time on your hands, instead of using store-bought whipped topping, you can make a homemade version. (Psst: Here are some tips for making whipped topping.)