Home Recipes Meal Types Desserts
ByCaroline Stanko
Taste of Home's Editorial Process
Updated: Feb. 05, 2024
From salted caramel to pretzel gelatin salad, get the best of both worlds with these irresistible salty, sweet dessert recipes
1/60
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
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
Get Recipe
2/60
Salted Caramel Cupcakes
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
Go to Recipe
3/60
Salted Dark Chocolate Tart
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
Go to Recipe
4/60
Salted Cashew Oatmeal Cookies
My son absolutely loves cashews, so I loaded my oatmeal cookies with them at Christmas—he loved them! The mix makes a great gift for friends, co-workers and teachers; all they have to do is add butter, vanilla and eggs. —Richard Hatch, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Go to Recipe
5/60
Behr Track Cookie Bars
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
Go to Recipe
6/60
Frozen Margarita Mousse
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 Glassco*ck, Conway, Arkansas
Go to Recipe
7/60
Flourless Peanut Butter Thumbprints
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
Go to Recipe
8/60
Chai Truffle Tart
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
Go to Recipe
9/60
Sea Salt Mint White Mocha Cookies
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
Go to Recipe
10/60
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Sauce
Truthfully, I want those cozy flavors of Thanksgiving throughout the year. This ice cream has just the right balance of spices, and no matter when you make it, you'll find yourself surrounded in the warmth and love that pumpkin pie has to offer. —Angie Stewart, Memphis, Tennessee
Go to Recipe
11/60
Crunchy Chocolate Clusters
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
Go to Recipe
12/60
Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars
I love to experiment with different recipes and combine classic and new flavors. I’ve been making this shortbread for over 20 years and finally have found the perfect pairing! I love salted caramel, and of course I love dark chocolate, so I layered these two flavors with my favorite shortbread crust. It’s melt-in-your-mouth good, and it is quickly becoming a favorite with my family, friends and customers! For even more gooey goodness, drizzle bottled caramel sauce over top. —Lisa Glenn, Sarasota
Go to Recipe
13/60
Salted Brown Sugar and Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies
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
Go to Recipe
14/60
Salted Caramel Walnut Tart
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
Go to Recipe
15/60
Peanut Pretzel Toffee Bark
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
Go to Recipe
16/60
17/60
Nut Fruit Bark
Here's a sophisticated version of fruit bark. Dark chocolate turns into a rich mocha flavor with the espresso powder. If you're a fan of sweet-salty tidbits, make sure to use the sea salt. —Thomas fa*glon, Somerset, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
18/60
Maple-Bacon White Chocolate Fudge
Tired of the same old fudge? Try my recipe with white chips, maple flavoring and bacon. Then be prepared to share the recipe. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Go to Recipe
19/60
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
Go to Recipe
20/60
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
Go to Recipe
21/60
South Dakota Frito Treats
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
Go to Recipe
22/60
Strawberry-Lime Bars
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
Go to Recipe
23/60
Salted Peanut Rolls
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
Go to Recipe
24/60
Salted Caramel Cookie Cups
When I brought these salty sweet cookies 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
Go to Recipe
25/60
Salted Caramel Pretzel Rice Krispies Treats
Craving a snack that’s both salty and sweet? These salted caramel Rice Krispies treats can’t be beat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
26/60
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
Go to Recipe
27/60
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
Go to Recipe
28/60
Saltine Cracker Candy with Toasted Pecans
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
Go to Recipe
29/60
Crispy Pretzel Bars
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
Go to Recipe
30/60
Beer and Pretzel Caramels
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
Go to Recipe
31/60
Brownie Affogato Sundaes
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
Go to Recipe
32/60
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
Go to Recipe
33/60
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
Go to Recipe
34/60
Pretzel Gelatin Dessert
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
Go to Recipe
35/60
36/60
Caramel Pretzel Bites
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
Go to Recipe
37/60
Salted Caramel Cappuccino Cheesecake
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
Go to Recipe
38/60
Pretzel Dessert
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. Hungry for more? Check out our collection of sweet and salty pretzel desserts.
Go to Recipe
39/60
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
Go to Recipe
40/60
Loaded-Up Pretzel Cookies
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
Go to Recipe
41/60
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
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
Go to Recipe
42/60
Pineapple Pretzel Fluff
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
Go to Recipe
43/60
Chewy Salted Peanut Bars
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
Go to Recipe
44/60
Peanut Butter Cream Pie
During the warm months, it's nice to have this fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie that's a snap to make. Packed with flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Go to Recipe
45/60
Pecan Caramel Candies
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
Go to Recipe
46/60
Potato Chip Clusters
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
Go to Recipe
47/60
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
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
Go to Recipe
48/60
Peppermint Pretzel Dippers
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
Go to Recipe
49/60
Salted Pecan Shortbread Squares
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
Go to Recipe
50/60
Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
I received this recipe from a minister's wife, and my family loves it. —Brenda Jackson, Garden City, Kansas
Go to Recipe
51/60
Salted Toffee Cashew Cookies
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
Go to Recipe
52/60
My "crispers" 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 treats you like. —Jennifer Butka, Livonia, Michigan
Go to Recipe
53/60
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
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
Go to Recipe
54/60
55/60
Chocolate Pretzel Rings
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
Go to Recipe
56/60
57/60
Salted Caramel Cupcakes
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
Go to Recipe
58/60
59/60
Salted Peanut Bars
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
Go to Recipe
60/60
Originally Published: February 11, 2019
