These sweet and salty dessert recipes offer the best of both worlds, balancing buttery doughs and sweet caramel with savory pretzels, peanut butter or a flourish of flaky salt.
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Strawberry Pretzel Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
2/47
Salted Caramel Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
To help balance the sweetness of this brown sugar cupcake, our Test Kitchen experts created a unique salty frosting. It's the best of both worlds! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
3/47
Salted Dark Chocolate Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was little, my grandpa always had a bag of caramels in his truck and a few in his pocket. Whether we were camping or going to a movie, I enjoyed sharing caramels with him. Now I try to put caramel in as many of my desserts as possible, including this sweet and salty tart. —Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas
4/47
Behr Track Cookie Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in these ooey-gooey, salty-sweet peanut butter bars. A lot of people comment that the pretzels in the filling are a pleasant surprise. Just make sure to cut cookie bars small—they're super rich. —Megan Behr, Marion, Iowa
5/47
Frozen Margarita Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn't love a frozen margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping (you could use this whipped topping substitute instead). It's easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
6/47
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I had been searching for a dessert to make for my brother's girlfriend (who is gluten intolerant), and I came across a naturally gluten-free dessert—a flourless peanut butter cookie. After tweaking the recipe a bit and adding Nutella and a sprinkling of sea salt, I finally found the perfect cookie for her. —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
7/47
Chai Truffle Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
My chai-flavored tart boasts chocolate and caramel layers tucked inside a salty pretzel crust. Truffles on top make it extra indulgent. —Chantal Bourbon, Montreal, Quebec
8/47
Sea Salt Mint White Mocha Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from my mom's Grandma Alice, who taught her how to bake. Grandma Alice always had a fresh plate of warm cookies on her counter. I learned some of her recipes by heart as a child, and I've been making these since high school. They taste like Christmas.—Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
9/47
Crunchy Chocolate Clusters
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy candy has a south-of-the-border flavor with cinnamon, chocolate and coffee. Sweet, salty and crunchy, it's a great no-bake treat. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
10/47
Caramel Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
After over 20 years of making this shortbread, I’ve finally found the perfect pairing—salted caramel and dark chocolate. So I layered them with my favorite shortbread crust. —Lisa Glenn, Sarasota, Florida
11/47
Salted Brown Sugar and Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These bakery-style cookies are a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie! The combination of rye flour, chocolate and brown sugar makes these cookies truly unique. They’re soft and chewy with crunchy edges, perfectly salty-sweet and loaded with just the right amount of chocolate. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
12/47
Salted Caramel Walnut Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
It took me a while to figure out a way to convert one of my favorite ice cream flavors into a pie—one of my favorite desserts. The result took quite a few tries, but in the end, it was so worth it. —Ruth Ealy, Plain City, Ohio
13/47
Peanut Pretzel Toffee Bark
From the Recipe Creator:
My toffee has been a traditional must-make treat for my family and friends for over 40 years. My Dad taught me to make great fudge from scratch but my toffee was his favorite candy and each time I make it, I think of him. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
14/47
Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My crispy, salty pretzel crust just begs for a creamy no-bake peanut butter filling and a layer of chocolate ganache. — Gina Nistico, Taste of Home Food Editor
15/47
Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season.—Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois
16/47
Frito Candy
From the Recipe Creator:
Yep, they’re made with corn chips, but don’t let that fool you. These salty sweets were a staple after meetings at the quilt guild I once belonged to. —Carol Tramp, Wynot, Nebraska
17/47
Strawberry-Lime Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves fresh strawberries, so I look for different ways to use them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweet strawberries, tart lime and salty pretzels. —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
18/47
Salted Peanut Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
A Christmas gift of homemade candy is always a hit with sweet tooths. I dip these peanut rolls in chocolate, but they're yummy plain, too. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
19/47
Salted Caramel Cookie Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When I brought these salty-sweet treats to a potluck, I overheard people talking about how wonderful they were. I'm not sure if it was the cookie, the caramel or the chocolate that they loved best.—Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
20/47
Salted Caramel Pretzel Rice Krispies Treats
From the Recipe Creator:
Craving a snack that’s both salty and sweet? These salted caramel Rice Krispies treats can’t be beat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
21/47
Salted Butterscotch & Pecan No-Bakes
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was deciding what type of cookie to make for a Christmas swap, I opted for something with coconut, pudding mix and salted caramel. Boxed, these could make a great gift as well. I like to drizzle caramel over the tops of the cookies before serving for a special touch. —Stacey Ritz, Sudbury, Ontario
22/47
Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
After a co-worker shared a recipe for a great bar cookie, I made it into a cheesecake using my standard recipe and tweaking it a bit. It’s a wonderful combination of sweet and salty. —Joyce Schamberger, Amboy, Illinois
23/47
Saltine Cracker Candy with Toasted Pecans
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids and grandchildren love this saltine cracker candy recipe. The neighbor kids rush right over when they find out I have them. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
24/47
Crispy Pretzel Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
I often make a big batch of these peanut butter-flavored cereal bars on days that I don't want to heat up the kitchen. Kids especially love them, so they're great for picnics, potlucks and school bake sales. —Jane Thompson, Eureka, Illinois
25/47
Beer and Pretzel Caramels
From the Recipe Creator:
Beer and pretzels are a natural combination—mix them with smooth caramel and you have an awesome candy. The guys will go wild over these crunchy, chunky chews. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
26/47
Brownie Affogato Sundaes
From the Recipe Creator:
We can’t resist brownie sundaes. I combined an affogato (coffee-based beverage) idea with a brownie to get this decadent sundae that mixes it all in there: warm, cold, sweet and salty. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
27/47
M&M Pretzel Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids and grown-ups alike adore these sweet and crunchy no-bake cookies. Add more candy for lovers of M&M's, or toss in a few additional pretzels for an extra-salty bite. —Madison Allen, Destrehan, Louisiana
28/47
Salted Cashew & Caramel Chews
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says "welcome home" like warm, gooey, chewy cookies right out of the oven with a cold glass of milk—mmm, heaven. You don't need a plate. Just grab and go. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
29/47
Pretzel Gelatin Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my mother's absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois
30/47
Caramel Pretzel Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan
31/47
Salted Caramel Cappuccino Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
After spending years living in Seattle, I’ve become a coffee junkie! I had to relocate across the country for a time, so I created this cheesecake with the flavors of salted caramel, coffee and espresso. It lifted me up on days when I felt blue about leaving one of the world’s amazing coffee destinations. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
32/47
Cherry Pretzel Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
Save both time and money with a big batch of this sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy treat. Any dessert that is left over is super the next day, too. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana
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Sweet & Salty Truffle Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade truffles—a little bit sweet and a little bit salty—will keep you coming back for more. Store extra truffles in the fridge.—Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
34/47
Loaded-Up Pretzel Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Coconut, M&M’s and salty, crunchy pretzels make these loaded cookies unlike any you’ve ever tasted—or resisted. —Jackie Ruckwardt, Cottage Grove, Oregon
35/47
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will stand in line to kiss the cook when these treats are served!
For a change of pace, try them with chunky peanut butter, too. —Canada60, Tasteofhome.com Community
36/47
Pineapple Fluff
From the Recipe Creator:
I often bring this salad to potlucks, and everyone goes crazy for the sweet and crunchy combination. Be sure to add the pretzel mixture right before serving to keep it crispy. —Beth Olby, Ashland, Wisconsin
37/47
Chewy Salted Peanut Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My rich bars are studded with the all-American peanut. I like to think famed peanut farmer Jimmy Carter would approve. —Ann Marie Heinz, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
38/47
Pecan Caramel Candies
From the Recipe Creator:
Salty and sweet, these candies are the perfect little snack. Form a kitchen assembly line with your kids, and the making becomes just as fun as the eating. —Julie Wemhoff, Angola, Indiana
39/47
Potato Chip Clusters
From the Recipe Creator:
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
40/47
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a busy schoolteacher and pastor’s wife and I wouldn’t dare show my face at a church dinner or bake sale without some of these tempting peanut butter treats. They’re quick and easy
to make and always a hit. —Kristi Tackett, Banner, Kentucky
41/47
Peppermint Pretzel Dippers
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend made these treats and gave them away in pretty canning jars. The combination of sweet, salty and peppermint is just right. Try dipping them in white candy coating and rolling them in crushed candy canes for variety. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
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Salted Pecan Shortbread Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
My shortbread squares are the ultimate go-to for cookie trays and gift-giving. The buttery caramel and toasted nuts make it tough to eat just one. —Diana Ashcraft, Monmouth, Oregon
43/47
Salted Toffee Cashew Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
When I get toffee bits, butterscotch chips and cashews together in one cookie, the sweet and salty combo is nearly impossible to resist. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
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Chocolate, Peanut & Pretzel Toffee Crisps
From the Recipe Creator:
These crisps are the ultimate combination of salty and sweet. They never last long because—trust me—they're addictive! Make the recipe the way it's written or sprinkle on any personal favorites. —Jennifer Butka, Livonia, Michigan
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Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust! They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
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Chocolate Pretzel Rings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like chocolate-covered pretzels, you'll love these simple snacks. They're fun to make any time of year because you can color-coordinate the M&M's to each holiday. —Kim Scurio, Carol Stream, Illinois
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Salted Peanut Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll never look at Rice Krispies Treats the same way again after trying these nutty three-tiered cookie, marshmallow and cereal bars. —Denise Kirsch, McLeansboro, Illinois
Salty Desserts FAQ
What makes a good salty dessert?
A good salty dessert balances sweetness with just enough salt to sharpen the flavors but not overpower them. It’s not just about adding an extra pinch of salt to any dessert; it’s about thoughtfully layering ingredients with various amounts of salt, like pretzels or crackers, with sweet ones, such as rich dark chocolate or gooey caramel.
What are some easy sweet and salty dessert ideas?
Some of the easiest sweet and salty dessert ideas are no-bake treats or ones with minimal ingredients or prep, like chocolate-covered pretzels, peanut butter cookies topped with flaky sea salt and chewy cereal bars. For last-minute ideas, try dipping homemade potato chips in melted chocolate, sprinkling crushed salted nuts over vanilla ice cream or tossing a snack mix recipe together with what you have in your pantry, like popcorn, chocolate candies and mini pretzels.
Can I use sea salt instead of table salt in desserts?
You can use fine sea salt instead of table salt in desserts with little difference, but other types of sea salt may not work as well. Table salt is very fine with small, uniform crystals that dissolve quickly and evenly. Sea salt is less refined and may contain various minerals. It can be purchased fine, coarse or in flakes.
For batters and doughs, use fine sea salt so it distributes evenly. Flaky salt is crunchy and intense, best for sprinkling over desserts. Coarse sea salt can be used in puddings and custards, where the large grains can melt and disperse. Start with half the amount as you would for fine salt (just like with various types of kosher salt) and adjust to taste.
