This Peaches and Cream Pretzel Pie is a fun twist on dessert! With a crunchy pretzel crust, sweet peach filling, and creamy topping, it’s both tasty and easy to make.
Who knew pretzels could be the secret behind a pie? I love how the salty crust perfectly balances the sweet peaches. Bring on the summer vibes with this delightful treat! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzel Crumbs: The crunchy crust is made from pretzel crumbs, which add a salty twist. If you can’t find pretzel crumbs, you can crush regular pretzels at home or use graham crackers for a sweeter crust.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This ingredient gives the pie its creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, try using whipped topping instead, but the flavor may alter a bit.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for the filling’s richness. A good alternative is Neufchâtel cheese, which is lower in fat, making it a bit lighter.
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for flavor, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained) could work in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness!
Sugar: Both granulated and powdered sugar are used here. You can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener, but keep in mind that it might give a slightly different flavor.
How Do I Whip Cream to Perfect Stiff Peaks?
Whipping cream can feel tricky. It’s all about the technique! Start with a chilled bowl and beaters to help the cream whip up faster. Here’s how to do it:
- Pour the heavy cream into your mixing bowl and begin beating on medium speed.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually for sweetness and stability.
- Keep whipping until you see soft peaks. For stiff peaks, continue until the cream stands upright without drooping.
Be careful not to over-whip, as it can turn grainy or start to separate. If this happens, you might make butter instead of whipped cream, which is a different recipe altogether!
How to Make Peaches And Cream Pretzel Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs (about 2 cups of crushed pretzels)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For The Filling:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh peaches, sliced (reserve some for topping)
- ½ cup fresh raspberries (for topping)
For The Topping:
- Extra slices of fresh peaches
- Fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Peaches And Cream Pretzel Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until everything is well combined. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it sets nicely. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, start by whipping the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Slowly add the powdered sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract while continuing to whip until you get stiff peaks. Set this whipped cream aside for later. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup of granulated sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well mixed and fluffy.
3. Add the Peaches:
Take the sliced peaches and add them to the fluffy filling mixture. Gently fold the peach slices in, being careful not to break them apart too much. You want to keep those pretty slices intact for a delightful presentation!
4. Assemble the Pie:
Now, it’s time to put everything together! Spoon the peach and cream filling into the cooled pretzel crust. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top with a spatula to make it look lovely.
5. Chill:
Cover your pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm. This step is important to let all the flavors meld together nicely.
6. Serve:
When you’re ready to serve your pie, decorate the top with extra peach slices, fresh raspberries, and mint leaves for a pop of color if you like. Slice it up and enjoy a slice of your delicious Peaches And Cream Pretzel Pie!
Can I Use Different Types of Pretzels for the Crust?
Absolutely! While traditional pretzel rods or twists work great, you can use any flavored pretzels like cheese crisps or honey mustard pretzels for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar in the crust based on your pretzel choice—less sugar for sweeter varieties!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to cover the pie gently with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you find the crust getting a bit soggy, you might want to serve it with fresh toppings to refresh the dessert!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping instead of heavy cream. For a non-dairy alternative, try using coconut cream or almond milk whipped topping. Just keep in mind that the consistency and flavor may change slightly!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pie is perfect for make-ahead. You can prepare it up to one day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the fresh fruits on top right before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
