Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls Recipe
Introduction
These Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and crunchy pretzels. Perfect as bite-sized treats, they offer the ideal combination of salty and sweet flavors with an optional chocolate coating for extra indulgence.
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.
- Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is silky and fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Gently fold in the salted caramel sauce and the crushed pretzels, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, smoothing out any cracks or uneven edges.
- Step 5: 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 6 (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.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, leave some pretzel pieces larger when crushing.
- Use dark chocolate instead of white or milk chocolate for a richer flavor contrast.
- Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate coating for enhanced salty-sweet balance.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar slightly to taste.
Storage
Store the cheesecake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for the best flavor and texture. If coated in chocolate, keep them chilled to prevent melting. These treats do not freeze well as the texture changes upon thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular caramel sauce instead of salted caramel?
Yes, you can use regular caramel sauce, but the salted caramel adds a pleasant balance to the sweetness with its salty notes.
How long should I chill the cheesecake balls before dipping in chocolate?
Chill them for at least one hour to ensure they are firm enough to handle dipping without losing shape.
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Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheesecake balls 1x
Description
Delight in these Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls, a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet salted caramel, and crunchy pretzels. These bite-sized treats are easy to make, chilled to set, and optionally coated with white or milk chocolate for an irresistible dessert that balances sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Balls
- 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)
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
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Keep some pretzel pieces larger for added crunch and texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking while chilling and coating.
- The cheesecake balls can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a firmer texture, freeze the balls for 15 minutes before chocolate dipping.
- 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 dessert, caramel cheesecake, chocolate dipped treats
