Description
Bright, sweet, and satisfyingly salty, Cherry Pretzel Squares are the perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion. With a buttery pretzel crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, and glossy cherry pie topping, this easy recipe is ideal for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat with a twist. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, simple party food ideas, or an easy recipe for a crowd, this dessert delivers big flavor and bold texture in every bite.
Ingredients
2 cups crushed salted pretzels
3/4 cup melted unsalted butter
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
21 ounces cherry pie filling (1 can)
Instructions
1. Crush the pretzels into coarse crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor.
2. In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and 3 tablespoons sugar.
3. Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
4. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup sugar until smooth.
5. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled pretzel crust, making sure to seal the edges.
7. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream layer and spread evenly.
8. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
9. Slice into squares with a sharp knife and serve cold.
10. Garnish with extra pretzels or whipped topping if desired.
Notes
Always seal the cream cheese layer to the edges to prevent the cherry layer from leaking into the crust.
For best results, chill overnight before serving.
A food processor creates a finer pretzel crust, but hand-crushing gives more texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: easy dessert, cherry dessert, potluck ideas, no bake recipe, cherry pretzel dessert