Description
These Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls are a rich, creamy, crunchy dessert that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. With tangy cheesecake filling, a soft caramel center, a salty pretzel coating, and a chocolate drizzle, this easy recipe is perfect for holiday dessert trays, party food ideas, sweet snack cravings, and make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
12 soft caramels
1 1/2 cups finely crushed pretzels
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
1/2 cup melted dark chocolate
1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
1. Beat the cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
3. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until a thick dough forms.
4. Chill the mixture for 30 to 45 minutes until easy to handle.
5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of filling, flatten it slightly, and place 1 soft caramel in the center.
6. Wrap the filling around the caramel and roll into a smooth ball.
7. Repeat with the remaining filling and caramels.
8. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes.
9. Mix the crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, and flaky sea salt in a shallow bowl.
10. Roll each chilled cheesecake ball in the pretzel mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
11. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate and salted caramel sauce.
12. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture and best flavor.
Chill the filling well before shaping so the balls stay neat and firm.
Freeze the shaped balls briefly before coating to help the pretzel mixture stick better.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake ball
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg