Description
Cherry Pretzel Squares are a sweet-and-salty, no-bake layered dessert with a buttery pretzel crust, a fluffy cream cheese filling, and a glossy cherry pie topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, summer gatherings, or an easy make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
2 cups pretzels, crushed
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz whipped topping
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
Instructions
1. Crush pretzels into small pieces (not powder). Mix with melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar.
2. Press mixture firmly into an even layer in a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust.
3. Refrigerate crust for 15 minutes to set.
4. Beat softened cream cheese with remaining sugar until smooth and fluffy.
5. Fold in whipped topping gently until fully combined.
6. Spread cream layer evenly over chilled crust, making sure it reaches the edges to seal the crust.
7. Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the cream layer.
8. Refrigerate 2–4 hours, or until set. Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Seal the crust: Spread the cream layer all the way to the edges to help prevent a soggy crust.
Chill for clean slices: For neat squares, chill until fully set and wipe the knife between cuts.
Variations: Swap cherry pie filling for strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry. Use gluten-free pretzels if needed.
Storage: Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended because the texture may change.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g