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Creamy Margarita Pretzel Bars

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Dreamy & Creamy Margarita Pretzel Bars

Once upon a time, there was a rich and creamy Key Lime Pie hanging out in the world of beaches and bathing suits … looking perfectly delicious.  Along came a cool, tall, salty and handsome Margarita and when they met, it was love at first bite.  I guess you know what happened next – fluffy, dreamy and Creamy Margarita Pretzel Bars!  Sometimes children get the best of both parents … and that’s a good thing.  This dessert is a great thing!  

 

Many years ago when I first started blogging, I thought it would be a good idea to make a different pie each week for the entire year.  One of our favorites was a Margarita Pie with a Pretzel Crust.  I’ve received many emails over the years about that recipe, so I couldn’t resist tweaking it a little and mixing it up in bar form.  You know how bloggers are … we can’t leave a good thing alone!

 

Dreamy & Creamy Margarita Pretzel Bars

The crust is a combination of pretzels and graham crackers giving it a little sweet and salty crunch.  The filling is made with lots of fresh, tart lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, tequila, Cointreau and whipped cream.  Oh boy, oh boy – you’re going to love this one!

 

 

Dreamy & Creamy Margarita Pretzel Bars

This dessert is best stored in the freezer until firm, then sliced and allowed to sit a room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.  They are light as a cloud but pack plenty of lime flavor.  This recipe is not dramatically different from the original pie, so either recipe will work great.  I used orange flavored Cointreau in these bars which is a very nice upgrade from standard Triple Sec.  Cut the bars into about a dozen pieces and place in an airtight container in the freezer.  You’ll have the perfect summer dessert ready to serve when company pops in!  Sprinkle with a mixture of lime zest and a little granulated sugar for a pretty and sweet presentation.

 

 

Dreamy & Creamy Margarita Pretzel Bars

 

Dreamy & Creamy Margarita Pretzel Bars

5 from 2 votes

Creamy Margarita Pretzel Bars

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 9 servings
Course: Dessert
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
A creamy Margarita flavored dessert with a sweet and salty Pretzel Crust. Prefect for summer get togethers!

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups pretzel sticks
  • 2 sheets of graham crackers (4 squares)

For the filling:

  • 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, about 4 juicy limes
  • 2 tablespoons tequila
  • 2 tablespoons Cointreau
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the topping:

  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch square pan. Line the pan with parchment paper leaving the extra hanging over the sides.
  • In a food processor combine the pretzels and graham crackers. Pulse until crushed. You should have about 1 1/4 cups of crushed pretzels and crackers. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and the granulated sugar. Add the crushed pretzel mixture and stir until combined. Gently press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Don't press too hard! Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool completely before filling.
  • For the filling beat the cold whipping cream in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  • In another medium mixing bowl combine the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, tequila and Cointreau. Gently fold in the whipped cream, just until blended.
  • Pour the filling into the prepare crust and freeze for about 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with a mixture of lime zest and sugar if desired. Cut into 9 to 12 servings.

Recipe Notes

These bars are best cut frozen, then allowed to rest at room temperature 10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the freezer.

Are you and your family taking a big vacation this summer?  Going anywhere fun?  I hope so – we don’t have any plans to travel, because we’re getting a new kitchen.  We’ve heard from a few families that said they’ll come for a visit.  We’ll get the guest bedroom ready and let them sleep with one of our dogs!  Such fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a lovely weekend 🙂

Tricia

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58 Comments

  1. Jenna Graveline says

    April 5, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    More of a question, can u store these in the refrigerator after they have been frozen? Also can u use a 13×9 instead to yield more?

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 6, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Jenna. If I understand correctly, you want to freeze them then temporarily store in a refrigerator before serving. I think that will be fine as long as it’s not more than a few hours at most. I would slice them while still frozen, however. Let us know if this works for you! You could test this with one square and see what happens. They melt pretty fast so if serving outdoors, I recommend having them frozen solid.

      reply to this comment >
      • Jenna Graveline says

        May 2, 2021 at 2:00 pm

        Hi Tricia
        These were fabulous! I did exactly what u said to freeze then take out 10 minutes before eating? I did add more tequila to mine because I like the tequila taste but only good tequila LOL

        reply to this comment >
        • Tricia Buice says

          May 3, 2021 at 7:59 am

          So happy you enjoyed this Jenna. The perfect grownup summer treat 😉

          reply to this comment >
  2. Sandy says

    October 4, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    5 stars
    These are so good. Especially the next day!!! Will be making these again!!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      October 7, 2020 at 11:03 am

      Thanks Sandy. So glad you enjoyed them.

      reply to this comment >
  3. JP says

    October 19, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    5 stars
    I have made these multiple times and they are always delicious! It is great to have a dessert that is no fail at 9K feet! Thanks for this!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      October 19, 2019 at 6:26 pm

      Thanks JP – we love these cream bars with the salty crust. So happy you liked it too!

      reply to this comment >
  4. Nickid says

    March 16, 2019 at 6:46 am

    An absolute winner of a dessert! I made this as a pie and got rave reviews from my dinner guests (who are excellent cooks and winemakers – so pretty hard to impress).

    No need to bake the crust – I just chilled it and worked fine.

    Thanks so much for this awesome recipe!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      March 16, 2019 at 9:53 am

      Thanks so much for the feedback! I always bake the crust so the sugar melts and helps it hold together but if you like it unbaked – all the better! Thanks again and glad you enjoyed the pie 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  5. Maggie says

    July 18, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    These looke delicious! Any idea what the equivalent of “2 sheets” of graham wafers would be in graham crumbs?

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      July 18, 2018 at 5:05 pm

      Hi Maggie – I sent you an email about your question – sorry if you didn’t get it. There are 9-sheets of graham crackers in a package / sleeve. Those nine crackers will crush into 1 1/4 cups of crumbs. I think 2 sheets of graham crackers will be about 1/4 cup of graham crumbs. Hope that helps!

      reply to this comment >
      • Maggie says

        July 18, 2018 at 10:02 pm

        Thank You! Our graham crackers don’t come packaged that way, so this is very helpful. Much appreciated.

        reply to this comment >
        • Tricia Buice says

          July 19, 2018 at 7:52 am

          You bet! Thank you Maggie. I bet you’re going to love these bars.

          reply to this comment >
  6. Toni says

    June 1, 2018 at 5:55 pm

    I love finding recipes that I can tweak and make my own, if I don’t have every single ingredient. I clicked on THIS one, cuz of the main part of the name: Margarita! LOL I have a bottle of ready-made watermelon margarita…. think I could just add up the total of the liquids (lime juice, tequila, & Cointreau), and use that amt of my watermelon mix? I think it’ll work… teehee!! I’m getting giddy just THINKING about it!! This would be a great summer dessert to bring to the next “ol’ ladies” of the club (motorcycle club) get-together!!! ????

    reply to this comment >
  7. Phyllis says

    September 8, 2016 at 9:37 am

    Sounds refreshing and fabulous, but I do not partake in any libations. Do you think leaving out the two liquors would be okay?

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      September 8, 2016 at 10:27 am

      Hi Phyllis – I think it would still be a great tasting dessert without the alcohol – I hope you enjoy! Thanks for commenting and visiting!

      reply to this comment >
  8. Erin says

    July 26, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    Has anyone ever doubled the recipe and put it in a 13×9 pan??

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      July 26, 2016 at 5:06 pm

      Hi Erin – I don’t know if anybody has doubled this recipe but I think it would be fine! I would just make sure the crust was even all the way across the bottom. Hope you enjoy it as much as we have over the years!

      reply to this comment >
      • Erin says

        July 26, 2016 at 5:22 pm

        Thank you Tricia! I will try it tomorrow and let you know how it turns out. Thank you!!

        reply to this comment >
  9. Deborah says

    July 11, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    These look terrific…so light yet I’m sure tasty and not too sweet.
    Can you suggest a change from Margarita to Mojito?
    I prefer my lime with mint and white rum.

    Thanks

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      July 13, 2016 at 5:09 pm

      Hi Deborah! I bet they would be perfect with rum and I would muddle some mint to blend in. That sounds terrific! I would love to know if you make it. Thanks so much Deborah!

      reply to this comment >
  10. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    June 5, 2016 at 8:20 am

    Sweet, salty and as light as a cloud…the bars sound great.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 5, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      Thank you Karen – they are a cool treat 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  11. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    June 4, 2016 at 5:19 pm

    I wish I had one of these bars (and some hot weather) here in Australia…I just love how light, tangy and delicious they look. Pinned!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 5, 2016 at 6:25 pm

      I hope you will give them a try when you get a little warmer – thanks so much for stopping by!

      reply to this comment >
  12. handmade by amalia says

    June 4, 2016 at 3:34 am

    I want to give this a try. It looks so delicious and at the same time a bit different. Gorgeous.
    Amalia
    xo

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 4, 2016 at 4:44 pm

      Thanks Amalia – it is a delicious and light dessert – with a great big lime flavor. Hope you enjoy!

      reply to this comment >
  13. Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef says

    June 4, 2016 at 12:50 am

    What a refreshing treat for a hot day. All those flavors are creating the perfect ending.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 4, 2016 at 4:43 pm

      Thanks Gerlinde! We have really enjoyed this dessert.

      reply to this comment >
  14. Susan says

    June 3, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    Oh my goodness these bars sound wonderful, Tricia! The perfect cool, summer dessert. The pretzel crust sounds so good that these will NEED to be made here soon.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:58 pm

      Thanks Susan – please let me know if you make them! I know you’ll find them tasty and refreshing.

      reply to this comment >
  15. Shelia Nelson says

    June 3, 2016 at 8:27 am

    My ladies Bible study class would love this!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:58 pm

      Haha Shelia – maybe you can leave out the tequila! Have a lovely weekend – great to hear from you 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  16. Sara says

    June 2, 2016 at 11:55 pm

    These bars are pure perfection! I think they’d be a great finish to a summer BBQ!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:57 pm

      Thanks Sara – they are so tasty!

      reply to this comment >
  17. Betty says

    June 2, 2016 at 11:09 pm

    Ooh la la! Wouldn’t these be a perfect treat to celebrate the last day of school? 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:57 pm

      Yes Betty – I think it would! I bet you are looking forward to a little break. Margaritas must be on the list of must-do summer fun!

      reply to this comment >
  18. Liz says

    June 2, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    Oh, my. I love everything about these delicious gems!!! That crust, that topping! Whoa.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:56 pm

      Aww thanks Liz! It’s a keeper 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  19. [email protected] is How I Cook says

    June 2, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    Lucky for us you decided to switch things around. These look great!Key lime and tequila-my mouth is watering!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:56 pm

      I know that key lime / margarita thing really calls my name. Have a wonderful weekend Abbe!

      reply to this comment >
  20. cheri says

    June 2, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    Hi Tricia, Oh I think you created the perfect summer treat, love the crust, the creamy insides and the lime zest and sugar topping. Beautiful presentation too!

    Hope you are having a great week! take care, Cheri

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:55 pm

      Thank you Cheri! Hope you have a great weekend!

      reply to this comment >
  21. Monica says

    June 2, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    Goodness – the pictures say it all but I also love how you described it! That creamy filling looks better than ice cream…and I can just imagine that frozen, sweet yet tart flavor, with the salty, crunchy crust! Killing me here!! : )

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:55 pm

      I bet you would like this Monica – thanks for commenting and have a great weekend!

      reply to this comment >
  22. Chris Scheuer says

    June 2, 2016 at 4:33 pm

    Beautiful photos and scrumptious looking dessert Tricia. I love everything about this. The sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy – it’s got everything!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:54 pm

      Thank you Chris – we loved it and will share at our next get-together. Have a great weekend!

      reply to this comment >
  23. monique says

    June 2, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    So funny..I was thinking of a key lime cheesecake for Father’s Day:) You know..w/ your chicken;)
    I may have to reconsider..

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:53 pm

      Oh key lime cheesecake sounds pretty fantastic. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

      reply to this comment >
  24. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    June 2, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    I just can’t take my eyes off from that dreamy creamy topping!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks Angie – have a nice weekend!

      reply to this comment >
  25. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    June 2, 2016 at 11:42 am

    Love the flavours and this looks like a perfect, summer treat! I have never tried a pretzel crust, so I’m anxious to give it a taste 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:53 pm

      The salty sweet thing is always a good idea! And we love the creamy texture on the crunchy bottom. Happy weekend Jennifer!

      reply to this comment >
  26. sue | theviewfromgreatisland says

    June 2, 2016 at 11:33 am

    What a perfect barbecue dessert, I can just see that fluffy texture in those little squares! Lime is such a wonderful citrus, and so underused, I’m going to have to make these this week, 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:51 pm

      We love lime flavored desserts – and margaritas – thanks Sue – have a great weekend!

      reply to this comment >
  27. Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says

    June 2, 2016 at 10:56 am

    I thought of clouds the minute I saw the pics so when you mentioned it in the post, it made me smile. These are simply perfect, Tricia. Light, flavorful and so great for summer!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 3, 2016 at 5:51 pm

      Thank you very much Robyn – I’m already thinking about other variations to this recipe – so good and perfect on a hot summer night.

      reply to this comment >

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