Cherry Pretzel Squares

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Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy all at once, Cherry Pretzel Squares are a sensational dessert that always steals the spotlight. This layered treat begins with a buttery pretzel crust that brings a delightful crunch and just the right amount of saltiness. It’s topped with a fluffy cream cheese and whipped topping layer that feels like a soft cloud, followed by a vibrant cherry pie filling that adds a fruity burst and eye-catching finish.

Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or festive celebrations, Cherry Pretzel Squares are as easy to serve as they are irresistible. With bold flavors and beautiful layers, this no-bake dessert is a nostalgic favorite that never fails to impress. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines playful textures and tastes into every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pretzel Squares Recipe

• The perfect balance of sweet and salty in one bite.
• No baking required—ideal for warmer months or quick prep.
• Stunning presentation with vibrant layers.
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved.
• Easily customizable with other fruit toppings.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment)

To make Cherry Pretzel Squares, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for layering and serving this dessert.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for the crust, cream layer, and cherry topping.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Essential for whipping the cream cheese mixture to a smooth and fluffy consistency.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters, especially for the crust-to-filling ratio.
• Rubber spatula or offset spatula: Helps you spread layers evenly without mixing them.
• Plastic wrap or lid: To cover the dish while it chills in the refrigerator.

Each tool plays a role in ensuring a smooth prep process and beautiful, clean layers.

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Preparation Tips

Crush your pretzels evenly using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin—uneven pieces can make the crust unstable. Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps, and beat it thoroughly with the sugar before folding in the whipped topping. When layering, be gentle—spread the cream mixture fully to the edges to seal the crust, which prevents sogginess. Lastly, chill the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to set beautifully and make slicing easier.

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Ingredients for this Cherry Pretzel Squares Recipe

For the Pretzel Crust:

• 2 cups crushed pretzels (salted, not unsalted)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

For the Cherry Topping:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling

Optional Garnish:

• Whole maraschino cherries (for decoration)
• Fresh mint leaves (for color contrast)
• Extra crushed pretzels or chopped pecans (for texture)

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Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, forming a firm base. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely before adding the next layer.

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Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula, mixing until well combined. Spread this mixture over the completely cooled pretzel crust, making sure to reach all edges to seal the crust layer and prevent sogginess.

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Step 3: Add the Cherry Layer

Evenly spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Use a spatula to gently spread the cherries across the entire surface. Be careful not to disturb the creamy layer beneath.

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Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the dessert to fully set. This will make it easier to cut clean slices. When ready to serve, garnish with maraschino cherries, mint leaves, or extra crushed pretzels if desired.

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Notes

This dessert is best when made the night before, giving the layers time to fully set and the flavors to meld. If you’re short on time, a minimum chill of 4 hours is essential. Be sure to spread the cream cheese layer all the way to the edges of the pan to create a tight seal and prevent the cherry filling from seeping into the crust.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the crust seal: Not spreading the cream cheese layer to the edges can allow the cherry filling to leak into the crust, making it soggy.
• Using warm ingredients: Always let the crust cool completely before adding the creamy layer, and ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed for smooth mixing.
• Not chilling long enough: The dessert needs several hours to set—cutting it too early will result in messy, runny squares.
• Overmixing the cream layer: Folding the whipped topping gently ensures a light, airy texture. Overmixing can deflate it.

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Storage Instructions

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or use a fitted lid and refrigerate. Cherry Pretzel Squares can be stored in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Avoid freezing, as the creamy and fruity layers may separate or develop an unpleasant texture after thawing. For best results, slice only what you need to keep the rest fresh and firm.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 310mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pretzels should I use?

Use salted pretzels for the best sweet-and-salty contrast. Mini twists or sticks work well—just crush them evenly.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s better when made the day before. Let it chill overnight for the cleanest slices and best flavor.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream, but stabilize it with a bit of powdered sugar or cornstarch to help it hold up.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes—just substitute with gluten-free pretzels and double-check the cherry pie filling label to ensure it’s gluten-free.

What if I don’t like cherries?

You can substitute with blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry pie filling for a different flavor twist.

How can I crush pretzels without a food processor?

Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or heavy pan to crush them to your desired consistency.

Can I freeze Cherry Pretzel Squares?

Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the cream and fruit layers. Stick with refrigeration.

How do I cut clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This helps prevent dragging and keeps layers neat.

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Conclusion

Cherry Pretzel Squares are a crowd-pleasing, no-bake dessert with an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. From the crunchy pretzel crust to the creamy middle and the sweet cherry topping, every layer brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re making this for a holiday, potluck, or just a sweet craving, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit. With simple ingredients and a make-ahead bonus, it’s a winning treat that’s as easy as it is delicious.

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