This Patriotic Pretzel Salad is not only easy to make, it’s a festive red, white, and blue option to bring to all the patriotic parties during the summertime! The salty and sweet combination is always a favorite for my family. With a pretzel and brown sugar crust, a creamy whipped cheesecake layer in the middle, and topped with fresh fruit in red and blue, it’s my go-to recipe when I’m short on time but still need to bring a side! I have detailed step-by-step instructions or if you prefer, you can scroll down to check out the recipe at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Patriotic Pretzel Salad
Some people might call this a salad and others might call it bars, but either way, the ingredients are the same!
Ingredients for Patriotic Pretzel Salad
FOR THE CRUST
- Miniature pretzel twists
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
FOR THE FILLING AND TOPPING
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh strawberries
Instructions for Patriotic Pretzel Salad
With a rolling pin or in the food processor, finely crush the pretzels. Place in a medium mixing bowl and add melted butter and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
Firmly press into the bottom of an 8×8 pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar. Beat for 2 minutes or untill well combined.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour over the crust and smooth with a spatula.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours and then top with berries right before serving. You could top with berries before refrigerating, however, I think the fruit is much more fresh if you add them later.
I can’t wait for you to try making this easy 4th of July recipe! It’s perfect for all the patriotic holidays!
What is pretzel salad made of?
Even though it’s called a salad, technically pretzel salad is a layered cheesecake dessert with a pretzel crust.
More Patriotic Fruit Recipe Ideas
- Patriotic Flag Waffles – 4th of July breakfast idea!
- Patriotic Shortcake Kebabs – So fun for kids!
- Strawberry Blueberry Icee Recipe – Refreshing treat!
Patriotic Pretzel Salad
Patriotic Pretzel Salad combines a salty sweet brown sugar crust with creamy whipped cheesecake and fresh fruit! Easy 4th of July side!
Ingredients
- FOR THE CRUST
- 3 cups miniature pretzel twists
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- FOR THE FILLING AND TOPPING
- 16 ounces cream cheese (2 8 oz. blocks)
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, for topping
- 2½ cups sliced fresh strawberries, for topping
Instructions
- With a rolling pin or in the food processor, finely crush the pretzels. Place in a medium mixing bowl and add melted butter and brown sugar. Stir well to combine. Firmly press into the bottom of an 8x8 pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar. Beat for 2 minutes or until well combined.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour over the crust and smooth with a spatula. Refrigerate at least 2 hours and then top with berries right before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 461Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 461mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gSugar: 24gProtein: 6g
