Candied Pretzel and Apple Salad

In this recipe the term "salad" should be used loosely. It is more of a dessert and reminds me of a version of snickers salad. But I really liked the salty, candied pretzels in it instead of the candy bar. It is super easy and my kids gave it two thumbs up. 

Sugared Pretzels:

• 1 cup chopped pretzels 
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup butter, melted

Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 3 cups diced apples (I used 2 large apples Braeburn apples, I think Granny Smith would be good too.)
• ½ cup caramel sauce, plus some for presentation 
• 8 oz tub cool whip

For the candied pretzels, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix the brown sugar and butter together until combined. Then mix in the chopped pretzels and chopped pecans. Spread the mixture on a large jelly pan (or baking sheet with sides). Bake for 7 minutes.  Let the mixture cool and then break into small pieces.

For the cream cheese mixture, beat the cream cheese until it's smooth. Then beat in the caramel sauce. Fold in the cool whip. Stir in the sugared pretzels and chopped apples. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for presentation.