If you’re craving something sweet, fresh, and just a little bit different, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite party treat: Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips. This vibrant dessert is a fruity, refreshing twist on classic salsa, paired with irresistibly crisp and sugary cinnamon chips. It’s quick to whip up, even easier to devour, and guaranteed to be the star of any spread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Fruity: Each bite bursts with sun-kissed strawberries, zesty lime, and a splash of mint, making it light, lively, and impossible to resist.
- Crispy Cinnamon Chips: The homemade cinnamon chips are crunchy and sweet, with a hint of warmth that perfectly complements the juicy salsa.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Shareable: Whether it’s a picnic, BBQ, birthday party, or just a spontaneous snack, Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips disappears in record time.
- Easy to Customize: You can adapt the salsa with your favorite berries or swap in gluten-free tortillas for a treat everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It only takes a handful of simple ingredients to create this show-stopper! Each ingredient in Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips adds its own magic—from the bright, juicy strawberries to the sweet-spiced crunch of cinnamon sugar on every chip. Here’s how each one shines:
- Strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for maximum sweetness and flavor—this is the star of the whole dish.
- Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice wakes up the salsa, adding zingy brightness and helping balance the sweetness.
- Strawberry Jam: A spoonful or two deepens the strawberry flavor while giving glossy, luscious texture to the salsa.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla adds delicate warmth and brings together the fruity and spiced notes.
- Fresh Mint: Chopped mint lends a cooling, herby finish that makes this dessert extra refreshing.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Just a pinch brings a gentle, surprising kick that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Flour Tortillas: These form the crispy base for the cinnamon chips—soft tortillas bake into perfect, golden triangles.
- White or Cane Sugar: This sweetens and crisps up the chips as they bake, giving you that signature sparkle.
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon’s cozy, aromatic warmth is what makes these chips simply irresistible.
- Oil or Aquafaba: Brushing the tortillas with a little oil (or aquafaba for a lighter, crisp alternative) ensures even browning and lovely crunch.
Variations
This Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips recipe is like a blank canvas for your cravings and creativity! It’s endlessly adaptable based on what you have on hand or what flavors you feel inspired to try. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- Berry Medley Salsa: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or diced mango for a colorful, multi-fruit twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a little dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the finished cinnamon chips for extra indulgence.
- Gluten-Free or Vegan: Use gluten-free tortillas or swap out the oil for aquafaba to keep things light and allergy-friendly.
- Tropical Touch: Stir in some finely chopped pineapple or kiwi to give your salsa a sunny, tropical vibe.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle candied pecans or toasted almonds over the salsa just before serving for texture and flavor bursts.
How to Make Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Tortillas
First things first: set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking trays with parchment or silicone mats. Stack your tortillas and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into chip-sized wedges—quarters first, then each quarter into four triangles. This step is oddly satisfying, and ensures each chip bakes up crisp and just the right size for scooping up that juicy salsa.
Step 2: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon until totally blended. Lay out the tortilla pieces in a single layer on your baking trays. Lightly brush each side with oil (or aquafaba if you want them lighter), then dust with plenty of cinnamon sugar—flip, brush, and repeat! For extra coverage, you can even dip each chip directly into the cinnamon sugar bowl.
Step 3: Bake the Chips
Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes, until the chips are bubbling, golden, and crisp. Watch closely in those last few minutes—they can go from perfect to overdone faster than you’d think! When they’re golden, remove from the oven and let them cool on the tray (they crisp up even more as they cool).
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Salsa
While the chips cool, hull and dice your strawberries and add them to a big mixing bowl. Squeeze over the juice of a lime, then stir in the strawberry jam, vanilla extract, chopped fresh mint, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly. Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes if you can—the flavors meld and everything gets even more vibrant.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready, spoon the strawberry salsa into a pretty bowl, pile up your cinnamon chips on the side, and serve at room temperature. Watch as everyone dives in—there will be sweet smiles all around!
Pro Tips for Making Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
- Strawberry Selection Magic: Use the ripest, most fragrant strawberries you can find—if you taste one and it makes you smile, it’s perfect for this salsa.
- Even Chip Crisping: Don’t overcrowd the baking trays; a single, even layer helps every chip bake up perfectly crunchy (no soggy surprises!).
- Chill, Then Serve: Let the salsa rest for 30 minutes before serving—it lets the lime, mint, and vanilla infuse every bite so much better.
- Make-Ahead Crunch Insurance: Store cinnamon chips in an airtight container after cooling completely; they’ll keep their snap for up to two weeks, ready for your next salsa adventure.
How to Serve Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Garnishes
To dial up the beauty and flavor, scatter a few extra chopped fresh mint leaves over the salsa just before serving. For an elegant touch, a dusting of powdered sugar or a twist of lime zest is lovely on the cinnamon chips—especially if you want that wow factor at a party!
Side Dishes
Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips is delicious all by itself, but it plays well with vanilla bean ice cream, tangy Greek yogurt, or a creamy coconut whip. For brunch, serve alongside fruit skewers or a platter of gooey brownies for the best of both worlds—fruity and chocolatey treats!
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the strawberry salsa into tiny mason jars or clear cups for individual servings at parties, or layer it parfait-style with yogurt and granola for a playful twist. Transform the cinnamon chips into “nachos” by creating a platter and topping with dollops of whipped cream and drizzles of chocolate. However you serve it, this treat always looks and tastes festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the unused cinnamon chips in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay crunchy for up to two weeks. The strawberry salsa should be refrigerated in a sealed container and is best enjoyed within 48 hours for the freshest flavor and texture.
Freezing
While the cinnamon chips freeze beautifully (just allow them to cool first and store in a freezer bag for up to a month), the strawberry salsa is best fresh. Freezing the salsa tends to dull its color and makes the berries mushy, so it’s best made and eaten the same day.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! If your cinnamon chips lose a bit of crispness, spread them on a baking tray and re-crisp in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2–3 minutes. Enjoy the salsa at room temperature or straight from the fridge—it’s delicious either way!
FAQs
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Can I make Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cinnamon chips several days in advance—just cool them completely and store in an airtight container. The salsa is best made the day you plan to serve, but you can prep the ingredients a few hours ahead and let them marinate in the fridge for brighter flavors.
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What can I use instead of flour tortillas for the chips?
Feel free to use gluten-free or whole wheat tortillas for a different twist. You can even experiment with pita or lavash bread triangles—just keep an eye on baking times as textures will vary.
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Can I use frozen strawberries for the salsa?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and color, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just drain off any excess liquid and dice carefully—they’ll be softer but still delicious.
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Is Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips vegan?
Yes, it can easily be made vegan! Use tortillas and strawberry jam that are certified vegan, and opt for aquafaba instead of oil for brushing the chips if you prefer a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to shake up your dessert routine or steal the show at your next gathering, give Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips a whirl. Each crunchy, cinnamon-sugared chip piled high with sweet, tangy salsa is a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new go-to treat!
PrintDessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Description
This delightful dessert recipe combines the freshness of strawberries with a hint of cinnamon, served alongside crispy homemade chips for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Chips:
- 1 cup (200 grams) white or cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 5 x 10 inch flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) oil, or aquafaba (oil gives crispier results)
For the Strawberry Salsa:
- 2lb (32 oz or 907 grams) fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 small lime
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large handful fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175 °C) and line 2 large baking trays with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together until combined well. Set aside.
- Prepare tortilla chips: Cut tortillas into chip-sized wedges, brush with oil, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake until crispy.
- Make strawberry salsa: Combine diced strawberries, lime juice, strawberry jam, vanilla, mint, and black pepper in a bowl. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the salsa with the cinnamon chips at room temperature.
Notes
- Dessert Strawberry Salsa is best served on the day it’s made.
- Store leftover Cinnamon Chips in an airtight container. They will keep for a couple of weeks.
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