This Peaches And Cream Pretzel Pie is a fun mix of sweet and salty! The crunchy pretzel crust pairs perfectly with creamy peach filling for a delightful treat.
Honestly, who knew pretzels could be so fancy? It feels like a dessert party in my mouth! I love serving it chilled on a warm day—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: The crushed pretzels create a unique salty-sweet crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pretzels. I also love using pretzel sticks for a crunchier texture.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the filling a creamy base. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. It still tastes delicious!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This contributes to the richness of the filling and helps achieve stiff peaks. You can swap it with coconut cream if you’re after a dairy-free version. Just chill the coconut cream before whipping.
Fresh Peaches: If fresh peaches aren’t in season, canned peaches can work. Make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. I personally prefer ripe, sweet peaches for maximum flavor!
Raspberries: They add a pop of color and tartness. You can replace them with blueberries or strawberries based on what you have on hand. I think fresh berries really enhance the visual appeal!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pretzel Crust?
Making a pretzel crust may seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! The key is to combine the ingredients well and pack it tightly into the pie dish. Here’s how:
- Mix crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter thoroughly until they’re well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the pie dish firmly to ensure it holds together when baked.
- Bake it at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Look for a light golden color. This helps bring out the flavor.
- Let it cool completely before adding the filling to keep it from getting soggy.
Trust me, taking the time to perfect this crust makes all the difference! Enjoy your pie creation!
How to Make Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh peaches, sliced
- ½ cup fresh raspberries (for garnish)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup peaches, sliced (for topping)
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need at least 4 hours in the fridge to let it set perfectly (or overnight if you prefer). So, total time including chilling is about 4 hours and 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form your delicious crust. Bake in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
2. Making the Filling:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s creamy and smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract until you see stiff peaks forming. This means it’s ready! Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until they are well blended. Next, add in the sliced fresh peaches and gently fold them in, being careful not to break them apart.
3. Assembling and Chilling the Pie:
Spoon the delicious filling into your cooled pretzel crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Now, it’s time for the pie to chill in the fridge! Cover it up and let it sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. This helps it set perfectly and makes it easier to slice.
4. Adding the Toppings:
When you’re ready to serve, take the pie out of the fridge. Top it off with the additional sliced peaches, fresh raspberries, and if you like, some mint leaves for a lovely touch. Slice into it and enjoy your yummy Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pretzels, you can use a graham cracker crust or even a homemade shortbread crust. Make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly if you switch to a sweeter crust like graham crackers.
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches! Just make sure to drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to your pie. You might also want to reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly, as canned peaches can be sweeter than fresh ones.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be aware that the crust may soften a bit over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This pie is perfect for making a day ahead. Just follow the complete recipe, refrigerate, and it will be ready to serve the next day. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
