Salty-sweet pretzel crust topped with caramel, apples, cream cheese, and sea salt—a festive dessert delight.
# What you'll need:
→ Pretzel Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups crushed salted pretzels
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
→ Toppings
04 - 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
05 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 - 3/4 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
07 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
08 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
→ Optional Garnishes
12 - 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
13 - Extra pretzel pieces, crushed
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 10-inch pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine crushed salted pretzels, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
03 - Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the prepared pan, forming an even layer about 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set and golden. Remove and let cool completely.
04 - In a separate bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
05 - Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
06 - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Arrange apple slices in concentric circles or a decorative pattern on top.
07 - Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the apples. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Add chopped pecans and extra crushed pretzel pieces if desired.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle additional caramel sauce just before serving if preferred.
