Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad

If you’re searching for an easy no-bake fall dessert that combines sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, this Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad is a must-try. Think of it as an apple pie casserole with a pretzel crust, featuring a buttery, crispy base that holds a smooth, velvety cream cheese filling. It’s then topped with a spiced apple pie topping made with fresh Granny Smith apples and cinnamon, bringing the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.

This easy apple dessert with pretzels delivers warm, cozy flavors in every bite, making it the perfect treat for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or a last-minute sweet craving. Best of all, this no-bake apple dessert recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients like crushed pretzels, cream cheese, and spiced apples. Whether you need a make-ahead dessert for a party or just want something that tastes like autumn, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad

• Crunchy & Sweet Balance: This layered dessert gives you the best of both worlds—salty, crunchy pretzel crust and a sweet, creamy filling.
• Perfect Fall Vibes: The Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring all the cozy, autumn flavors you crave without the fuss.
• No-Bake Ease: This recipe comes together quickly with zero baking required. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something amazing.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dessert that’ll impress any crowd.
• Great for a Crowd: This dessert serves plenty, making it the perfect treat for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.

Ingredients Needed To Make Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad

Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe. 

• Pretzels
• Butter
• Sugar
• Cream cheese
• Whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Granny Smith apples
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Water
• Cornstarch

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad

1. Make the Pretzel Crust: Mix together the melted butter, ground pretzels, and sugar, then press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish. Bake in the oven until golden and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipping cream until smooth. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

3. Cook the Apple Topping: In a pot, cook the diced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and spices until tender. Make a slurry with cornstarch and water, then stir it in to thicken the sauce.

4. Assemble the Salad: Once the apple topping has cooled, spoon it over the cream cheese layer in the dish. Refrigerate for at least an hour.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert actually benefits from chilling in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight. The flavors come together beautifully and the texture firms up, making it easier to slice and serve.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Granny Smith apples work best for this recipe because they offer the right tartness to balance out the sweet filling. However, you can use other apples if you prefer a milder flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days, although it’s likely to disappear much faster.

Can I freeze this dessert?

While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the pretzel crust, you can freeze the cream cheese and apple filling layers separately. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and assemble.

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love

Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad

This Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy, with layers of flavor that come together beautifully. It’s a dessert everyone will love!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Cooling Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 15

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 casserole dish
• mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Stock Pot
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 4 cups pretzels finely ground
• 12 tbsp butter melted
• ⅓ cup sugar

For the Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese room temperature
• 8 oz whipping cream
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 5 cups Granny Smith apples peeled and sliced thin
• ½ lemon juiced
• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/16 tsp ground cloves
• 1/16 tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water for slurry

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Instructions

 

Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• In a bowl, combine the melted butter, finely ground pretzels, and sugar. Mix well until combined.
• Press the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
• Add the powdered sugar and mix well.
• Slowly add the whipping cream and mix until smooth and creamy.
• Pour the filling onto the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:

• In a large stock pot, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and water.
• Cook over low/medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender.
• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
• Add the slurry to the apple mixture and stir well.
• Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of apple pie filling.
• Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Assemble the Salad:

• Once the apple filling has cooled, spoon it over the cream cheese filling, spreading it evenly.

Chill & Serve:

• Refrigerate the dessert for at least 1 hour to allow it to set.
• Slice and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSodium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25g

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheSaltyCooker or tag #thesaltycooker!

This Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad is definitely a keeper in my book. It’s easy to make, super flavorful, and a great way to use up apples while satisfying a sweet tooth. I love how it mixes textures and flavors, with crunchy, creamy, and tart all in one bite. It’s a dessert I can always count on when I want something that feels special, but is still easy enough to make at home.