There’s something magical about combining salty and sweet flavors, don’t you think? I remember the first time I had a salted caramel treat at a local bakery. My senses were overwhelmed; the rich, gooey caramel dancing with the crunchy pretzel pieces was pure heaven. It’s no surprise that I felt the urgent need to recreate this delightful magic in my kitchen. Fast forward to now, and I’m thrilled to share my treasured recipe for Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Squares with you!

This dessert is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for every occasion—from holiday gatherings to cozy weeknight treats. So, let’s dive into this delectable journey together as we whip up a batch of these amazing squares!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet impressive – perfect for gatherings
• Sweet and salty flavor explosion
• Cheesecake meets crunchy pretzels for delightful texture
• Make-ahead friendly – they get even better after chilling

Ingredients

Before we get chopping and mixing, let’s gather everything you need for these incredible Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Squares:

• For the crust:
  • 2 cups pretzel crumbs (make your own by crashing pretzels or use store-bought)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• For the cheesecake filling:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (let it sit at room temperature for a creamy texture)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup sour cream (this adds a lovely tang)
• For the salted caramel sauce:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup heavy cream (be careful when adding this; it can bubble up!)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started! Follow these steps to create your delicious Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Squares.

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until every crumb is coated. It should feel like damp sand.
2. Bake the crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is fully incorporated. Remember not to overmix to keep that lovely, airy texture!
4. Pour and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over your cooled pretzel crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools). Let it cool completely at room temperature.
5. Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir regularly until it melts completely and turns a golden amber color. Add the butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream (watch out for hot splashes!). Stir in the sea salt and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Assemble: Once everything has cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. You can reserve some for serving if you like. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some fun twists to help personalize your Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Squares:

• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for a warm spice note.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, swirl in some chocolate ganache along with the caramel for a chocolate lover’s dream! Just melt some chocolate and cream together, and gently mix it in with the caramel.
• If you want to make this gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels to create a yummy crust.

Serving Suggestions

These squares are delightful on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

• Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
• Pair it with a rich cup of coffee or a creamy latte to complement the sweetness.
• For a fun twist, you can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel ice cream for that extra indulgence.

Storage Tips

Now that you’ve whipped up these gorgeous cheesecake squares, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerate the squares in an airtight container. They will keep well for about 5-7 days (if they last that long!).
• You can freeze the unassembled squares before adding the caramel. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and add caramel when ready to serve.
• To reheat, simply take a square out of the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature, and then drizzle with any leftover caramel sauce before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut or cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pretzels, graham crackers or crushed nuts can make for a delicious alternative. Just be mindful of the sweetness level and adjust the sugar accordingly for the different bases.

How can I make these cheesecake squares lower in sugar?

You can substitute half of the granulated sugar in the filling with a sugar alternative suitable for baking. Just make sure it measures like sugar! Additionally, make the caramel sauce with a stevia or monk fruit sweetener if you prefer. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be tasty!

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the caramel?

You can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce might be slightly less creamy. Another option is evaporated milk for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to still be careful when adding it to the hot caramel!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Sure! You can use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter for the crust. For a vegan caramel sauce, look for a recipe that uses coconut milk or non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream. There are lots of great alternatives available nowadays!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making—and more importantly, devouring—these Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Squares as much as I do! It’s hard not to fall in love with each layer of crunch, creaminess, and that magical sweet and salty combination. If you decide to try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media. Happy baking, my friend!

Irresistible Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Squares Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x

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Description

Indulge in creamy cheesecake squares with a crunchy pretzel crust and rich salted caramel Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a sweet treat

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups pretzel crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

16 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅓ cup sour cream

1 cup granulated sugar for caramel

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until every crumb is coated.

Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and sour cream.

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled pretzel crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.

In a medium saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring until it melts. Add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream and salt.

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Notes

A delightful dessert combining the flavors of salted caramel and crunchy pretzels with a creamy cheesecake filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16 squares
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g

Keywords: Salted Caramel, Pretzel Dessert, Cheesecake Squares, Sweet and Salty Dessert, No-Bake Dessert