Loaded Jalapeño Pretzel Sheet Cake (Print Version)

Spicy jalapeño pretzel cake with cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, and crunchy mini pretzels for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pretzel Cake Base

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
06 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños
11 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing pan

→ Savory Topping

13 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 1/4 cup sour cream
15 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
16 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - 1/3 cup chopped scallions
19 - 1/2 cup crispy cooked bacon, crumbled (optional; omit for vegetarian)
20 - 1/2 cup chopped pickled jalapeños
21 - 3/4 cup mini pretzels, roughly crushed
22 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a rimmed 9x13-inch baking sheet or pan with olive oil.
02 - Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl.
03 - Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and yellow mustard until smooth.
04 - Incorporate the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just blended. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños.
05 - Transfer batter to the prepared baking sheet and smooth into an even layer.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan.
07 - Beat softened cream cheese with sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until light and fluffy.
08 - When cake is cool, evenly spread cream cheese mixture over the surface.
09 - Scatter chopped scallions, crumbled bacon (if using), extra jalapeños, crushed pretzels, and shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
10 - Slice into squares and present immediately to preserve pretzel crunch.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Bold flavors with every bite
  • Great for sharing at parties
02 -
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or use plant-based alternatives
  • Choose gluten-free pretzels and cheese if serving guests with allergies
03 -
  • Cool the cake completely before spreading topping for best texture
  • Serve immediately for the crunchiest pretzel topping

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