Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls
Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls are bite-sized no-bake treats combining creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and crunchy salty pretzels. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, these easy-to-make dessert balls are great for parties, gifting, or a delightful snack.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheesecake balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pretzels)
Cheesecake Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings and Mix-ins
- 1 cup mini pretzels, crushed (plus extra for coating)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (thick and gooey)
- Optional: ¼ cup milk chocolate or white chocolate, melted (for drizzling or coating)
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and fully combined, achieving a perfect cheesecake filling consistency.
- Crush the Pretzels: Place mini pretzels in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until a mix of small pieces and fine crumbs forms, providing ideal crunch.
- Combine Pretzels with Cheesecake Base: Gently fold crushed pretzels into the cream cheese mixture, reserving some for coating later to ensure a crunchy texture in every bite.
- Shape the Balls: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set their shape.
- Drizzle with Caramel and Optional Chocolate: Once chilled, drizzle each cheesecake ball with caramel sauce. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate on top or dip the whole ball for a smooth coating.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt and Extra Pretzels: Finish by sprinkling sea salt flakes and extra crushed pretzels on top for enhanced flavor and presentation. Serve or store as desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and a smoother base.
- Chill the cheesecake balls well before drizzling or dipping to prevent melting.
- Choose a rich, buttery caramel sauce for authentic sweetness and texture.
- Sprinkle sea salt lightly to balance the sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
- These cheesecake balls can be prepared a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cheesecake balls, salted caramel, pretzel desserts, no-bake sweets, party treats, bite-sized desserts