First things first: pretzel salad is NOT A SALAD. It’s never been salad, and I’m honestly okay with that. Pretzel salad is one of my favorite desserts to make. Each one has that buttery, salty pretzel crust with a sweet, tangy cream cheese filling and fruity topping. Sweet + salty is my favorite combo of all time, and these 14 sweet and salty pretzel salads and pretzel desserts are hands-down the best examples why.
I’ve been making variations of these pretzel desserts for YEARS. Every single time I crush up those pretzel pieces and press them into my pan, I get ridiculously excited. These puppies are easy enough for a weeknight dessert, make-ahead dessert for entertaining and potlucks, and come together in a 9×13 that looks WAY fancier than it is. There’s a pretzel dessert here for every season: classic strawberry pretzel salad, cozy pumpkin, festive cranberry. Grab your 9×13 and let’s make something abso-fruit-ly delicious.
Why You’ll Love These 14 Sweet and Salty Pretzel Salads and Pretzel Desserts
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Each one has the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
- Great make ahead desserts everyone will rave over
- Ideal for summer get-togethers and holidays
- Almost all no-bake except baking the pretzel crust
- They are easily customizable
- And, they are all creamy, crunchy, and refreshing
1. Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
It's a complete summer staple in our home. Sweet strawberries, gooey filling and that salty crunch of pretzel in every bite. I love that it's "sorta" no-bake (the crust is the only thing!) but feels super fancy. Make friends and impress neighbors: start with this dessert at your next potluck.
2. Blueberry Pretzel Salad
Pretzel salad isn't a salad. But it's oh-so-delicious, especially this blueberry version. I'm obsessed with that sweet-tangy cream cheese layer topped with that yummy blueberry filling. Spoon it on high and let the pretzel party begin. It's bright, perfect for summer, and always disappears quickly. And, watch the video here on YouTube
3. Raspberry Pretzel Dessert
In case you’re into tart punch, this raspberry concoction will make you VERY happy. I use pie filling for the top for extra decadence (and because it’s easy). It’s one of those “party” desserts because I NEVER have any left.
4. Blackberry Pretzel Dessert
This recipe is all about that sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy flavor. (Did I mention I love that kind of dessert?) The blackberry topping is like sunshine on your tongue, and makes the whole pan feel gourmet. I love serving it whenever family visits because it looks so impressive, but is actually SO easy.
5. Mixed Berry Pretzel Dessert
Can’t choose just one berry? Me neither. This dessert lets you have a whole trifecta of berries atop that addicting buttery pretzel crust. It’s beautiful when sliced to show off those layers, too! Whip this up when you want major “wow” factor for minimal work. Just mix, layer, and chill. DONE. Watch the video here.
6. Pineapple Pretzel Salad
This dessert is sweet, has tropical flavors, and is insanely refreshing, particularly when it's hot out. I adore the pineapple topping with the fluffy cream cheese layer because it tastes like your own personal vacay in a 9×13 pan. Take this to a BBQ and see how quickly it'll vanish.
7. Apple Cinnamon Pretzel Salad
When I crave comforting fall flavors, but still want that sweet-and-salty crunch of pretzels, this is what I make. It's sort of like apple pie got crunched up and turned into a creamy layered dessert casserole. And I'm not complaining. Bonus: your whole kitchen will smell like cinnamon apple goodness.
8. Cranberry Pretzel Salad
Whenever the holidays approach I want this pretzel salad. That cranberry-orange layer is just so sweet, tart, and holiday festive. Plus it balances out that creamy layer too. It's also fun but still feels totally classic and potluck appropriate.
9. Cranberry Jello Salad
For those of you who prefer the more retro pretzel salad experience - this version includes the Jello layer (and oh man, it’s amazing). I love that it’s sweet, tangy, and cuts beautifully once chilled. It’s become one of my favorite make-ahead desserts for the holidays because it looks so fancy but doesn’t require all day in the kitchen.
10. Pumpkin Pretzel Dessert
Pumpkin and pretzels aren’t something you would expect together, but oh my goodness this is fall deliciousness at its finest. The salty, crunchy crust with the soft pumpkin filling is one of those sweet-and-salty treats that cause passerby’s to drool mid-bite. This recipe also comes together quickly and lets the refrigerator do all the work.
11. Easy Blackberry Cream Cheese Dessert
This is my go-to whenever I need something that looks fancy but is actually easy. The sweet/salty pretzel crust pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and blackberry topping. And if you're a fan of easy "mix, layer, chill" desserts, this one is for you.
12. Peach Pretzel Dessert
Peach Pretzel Dessert is hitting me with major summer feels – that buttery crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and a FROM SCRATCH peach topping that makes it over-the-top delicious. This one’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for a backyard barbecue (it will vanish off of the dessert table). Sweet. Salty. Peachy. Perfection.
13. Strawberry Cream Cheese Pretzel Dessert
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pretzel Dessert has you covered on both fronts: brown sugar pretzel crust AND strawberry cream cheese filling, so you get that sweet salty goodness in every bite. Fresh sliced strawberries and whipped cream on top really make it gorgeous and doesn’t require too much effort. This is summer dessert perfection if I’ve ever seen one. I know it’s going to be requested at every cookout this summer.
14. Mini Blueberry Pretzel Desserts
Mini Blueberry Pretzel Desserts are the cutest dessert ever - it’s everything you love about pretzel salad but portioned out into adorable servings. Top with homemade blueberry sauce and you’ve got yourself a winner. Who doesn’t love getting their own personal stack of creamy pretzel crust, tangy cream cheese layer and fresh fruit on top?! Once you make these no-bake treats, you’ll never make the traditional version again.
Variations
- Graham Crackers: Use graham cracker crumbs in place of the pretzels for a sweeter version.
- Pecans: Add some chopped pecans to the pretzel crusts for a nuttier crust.
- Pie Filling: Switch out pie filling for homemade fruit topping.
- Jello: Use fruity jello in place of pie filling for a classic pretzel salad.
More Delicious Pretzel Desserts
Here are a few more delicious pretzel dessert from some of our favorite bloggers. Make sure to check out all of their delicious recipes.
- Lemon Pretzel Dessert, Peach Pretzel Salad, and Lemon Blackberry Dessert from our other blog, Deliciously Seasoned
- Apple Pretzel Salad from Brandi over at The Country Cook
- Jello Pretzel Dessert from Karin over at Kitchen Divas
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad from Ryan and Shanna over at The Cooking Duo
If you try any of these 14 sweet and salty pretzel salads and pretzel desserts, and love them, please be sure to leave a 5 ★★★★★ rating below and leave a comment! You can also pin them to favorite Pinterest boards and save them for later.
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These are my favorite kind of snacks. I’ve tried strawberry pretzel from this list before, and it is always a massive hit whenever I serve it.
I finally got around to making a few of these, and the sweet and salty combo is addictive! Definitely keeping this list bookmarked for my next movie night.
I love the pretzel salad ideas! The sweet and salty combo is my favorite…love the variations here!
Pretzels are the ultimate dessert hack! That perfect salty crunch cuts right through the sweetness of the fruit and cream layers. This roundup has so many fun, nostalgic ideas that are guaranteed hits for any potluck or family gathering.
Nice! I love the blend of flavors, and that fruity topping on these bad boys is perfect for the summer.
These all look so good! I’m bookmarking this and keeping it forever. Om nom nom.