Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Introduction
Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls are a delightful bite-sized treat that perfectly balances creamy sweetness with a salty crunch. These no-bake snacks are easy to prepare and make a great party appetizer or dessert addition.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 cup crushed pretzels (keep some pieces larger for texture)
- 4 oz white or milk chocolate, for dipping or drizzling
Instructions
- Step 1: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until silky and fully incorporated.
- Step 2: Gently fold in the salted caramel sauce and the crushed pretzels, ensuring an even distribution to blend the sweet and salty flavors perfectly.
- Step 3: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, smoothing out any cracks or uneven edges for a polished look.
- Step 4: Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow them to firm up and for the flavors to meld.
- Step 5 (Optional): Melt the white or milk chocolate. Dip each cheesecake ball halfway into the melted chocolate and return them to the tray. Chill again until the chocolate hardens, adding an elegant finishing touch.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, reserve some larger pretzel pieces to sprinkle on top after dipping in chocolate.
- Substitute salted caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a richer flavor.
- Try using dark chocolate instead of white or milk for a deeper chocolate contrast.
Storage
Store the cheesecake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To re-soften slightly before serving, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cheesecake balls ahead of time?
Yes, these can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They actually benefit from some time to let the flavors meld.
Can I use regular caramel sauce instead of salted caramel?
You can, but adding some sea salt or using salted pretzels helps maintain that sweet and salty balance that makes this treat special.
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Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cheesecake balls 1x
Description
These Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls combine creamy cheesecake, sweet salted caramel, and crunchy pretzels into delightful bite-sized treats. Perfect for parties or as an indulgent snack, they can be optionally dipped in white or milk chocolate for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 cup crushed pretzels (keep some pieces larger for texture)
Chocolate Coating (Optional)
- 4 oz white or milk chocolate, for dipping or drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is silky and fully incorporated.
- Add Salted Caramel and Pretzels: Gently fold in the salted caramel sauce and the crushed pretzels, ensuring they are evenly distributed to blend the sweet and salty flavors perfectly.
- Shape the Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, smoothing out any cracks or uneven edges for a polished look.
- Chill to Set: Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow them to firm up and for the flavors to meld.
- Optional Chocolate Coating: Melt the white or milk chocolate. Dip each cheesecake ball halfway into the melted chocolate and return them to the tray. Chill again until the chocolate hardens, adding an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing and a creamy texture.
- Keep some pretzel pieces larger to add a pleasant crunch.
- Refrigerate cheesecake balls for at least 1 hour to ensure they are firm before serving.
- The chocolate coating is optional but adds a nice decorative touch and additional flavor.
- Store leftover balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salted caramel, pretzel, cheesecake balls, no bake dessert, bite-sized treats, caramel, cream cheese
