Merken A whimsical, savory cake featuring layers of soft pretzel dough swirled with tangy pickles and creamy cheese, finished with a golden, salty crust: perfect for adventurous snackers or a unique party centerpiece.
When I first made this pretzel cake for friends, its golden crust and surprising pickle swirl instantly sparked conversation and lots of happy taste tests. Everyone wanted the recipe, and it turned into a new tradition for our game nights.
Ingredients
- Pretzel Dough: 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp / 7 g) instant yeast, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp fine sea salt, 1 cup (240 ml) warm water, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Pickle Swirl: 1 cup (150 g) dill pickles, finely chopped, 1 cup (100 g) shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened, 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional), 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Pretzel Wash: ⅓ cup (80 g) baking soda, 5 cups (1.2 L) water
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 2 tbsp coarse pretzel salt, 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prep the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with parchment paper.
- Make Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix chopped pickles, shredded cheese, cream cheese, dill, garlic powder, and black pepper to create the swirl filling.
- Shape Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 14x10-inch (35x25 cm) rectangle.
- Add Pickle Swirl:
- Evenly spread the pickle swirl filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch (1.5 cm) border. Starting from a long side, roll up the dough tightly into a log.
- Form Cake:
- With a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise in half. Twist the two halves together, exposing the filling. Coil the twist into a spiral and place in the prepared pan.
- Pretzel Wash:
- In a saucepan, bring 5 cups water to a boil and carefully stir in baking soda. Let cool slightly. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the surface of the dough with the baking soda solution.
- Finish and Bake:
- Brush with beaten egg, then sprinkle with pretzel salt and sesame seeds. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and cooked through. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Merken My kids love helping to twist the dough and sprinkle the salt on top, and we often bake it together for weekend family snacks. Sometimes we swap in pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, knife, saucepan, pastry brush, 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan, parchment paper.
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat), dairy (milk, cheese, butter), and egg. Always check cheese and pickle labels for additional allergens if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 310 calories, 11 g total fat, 43 g carbohydrates, 9 g protein.
Merken Enjoy warm and fresh out of the oven or serve as party bites with honey mustard dip. This pretzel cake will definitely spark excitement at your table.
Fragen rund um das Rezept
- → How do I achieve a soft pretzel texture?
Kneading dough thoroughly and using a baking soda wash before baking ensures authentic pretzel softness and flavor.
- → Can I use different cheeses in this dish?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack all work well for the swirl, each offering a unique flavor profile.
- → How can I vary the pickle flavor?
Try spicy or bread-and-butter pickles instead of dill for a different tang, or add a hint of whole-grain mustard.
- → Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains dairy and eggs but no meat. Check cheese and pickle labels for hidden animal products if concerned.
- → What is the ideal way to serve this snack?
Slice and serve warm, paired with ranch or honey mustard dip. It’s perfect for parties or brunch occasions.