Pin A decadent dessert pizza featuring a salty-sweet pretzel crust, creamy caramel sauce, sliced apples, and a sprinkle of sea salt, this Caramel Apple Pizza with Salted Pretzel Crust is the perfect fall treat or party dessert. Every slice offers an irresistible combination of flavors for apple and caramel lovers.
When I first made this for our autumn neighborhood get-together, everyone raved about how the crunchy pretzel base balanced the sweet, creamy toppings. Now, it's a go-to dessert that disappears almost instantly whenever I serve it.
Ingredients
- Pretzel Crust: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) crushed salted pretzels, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (melted), 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- Toppings: 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3/4 cup (180 ml) caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling); 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Optional Garnishes: 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped toasted pecans; Extra pretzel pieces (crushed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10-inch (25 cm) pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust:
- Combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
- Form and Bake Crust:
- Press mixture firmly into the pan, forming an even 1/4-inch thick crust. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set and golden. Let cool completely.
- Prepare Apples:
- Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
- Mix Cream Cheese Layer:
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Pizza:
- Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust. Arrange apple slices on top in concentric circles or decorative patterns.
- Add Caramel and Garnishes:
- Drizzle caramel sauce over apples. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, then add pecans and pretzel pieces if desired.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill pizza for 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving, if you like.
Pin This recipe quickly became a family favorite, especially during cozy evenings when we gather around the table and share stories over warm slices fresh from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving this caramel apple pizza with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an extra luscious treat. Individual slices work well for parties or dessert buffets.
Make Ahead & Storage
The pizza can be made up to a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. For best texture, add the optional garnishes and extra caramel drizzle just before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
Swap apples for pears or use a mix of both for added flavor. Omit pecans for a nut-free dessert or use gluten-free pretzels for dietary needs.
Pin This caramel apple pizza delivers a perfect salty-sweet balance in every bite. Enjoy with loved ones and savor the flavors of fall!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of apples work best for this dessert?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp varieties offer a great balance of tartness and crunch, though you can mix in pears for added variety.
- → How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Allow the baked pretzel crust to cool completely before layering on the cream cheese filling and apple slices to ensure a crisp texture.
- → Can this dessert be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzels to create a gluten-free version of the crust.
- → Is the pizza best served warm or cold?
For best results, serve chilled after assembling and chill for at least 15 minutes. It's delicious cold, but you may drizzle warm caramel before serving.
- → What additional garnishes pair well?
Chopped toasted pecans, extra pretzel pieces, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream all make excellent garnishes to complement the apple and caramel flavors.
- → How long can leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to two days to maintain freshness and texture.