If you’re searching for a delightful treat that feels fresh, fun, and a little unexpected, this Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy, sweet strawberries mingling with a hint of lime and vanilla, paired perfectly with warm, crunchy cinnamon-sugared chips — it’s a flavor party that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress. Whether it’s a vibrant snack for a sunny afternoon or a unique dessert to share with friends, this recipe delivers that ideal balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient shines. You’ll find that every item plays a special role, whether adding sweetness, crisp texture, or an aromatic twist that elevates the whole dish.
- White or cane sugar (1 cup / 200 grams): Sweetens the cinnamon chips perfectly, creating a delightful crunchy coating.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Adds warm, spicy notes that make the chips irresistible.
- Flour tortillas (5 x 10 inch): The base for the chips, these provide the perfect canvas for texture and flavor.
- Oil or aquafaba (¼ cup / 60 ml): Brushing the chips with oil ensures they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Fresh strawberries (2lb / 32 oz / 907 grams): The star of the salsa – sweet, juicy, and bursting with vibrant color.
- Small lime (1): Its juice brightens the salsa with a fresh, tangy zing.
- Strawberry jam (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and enhances the fruity sweetness of the salsa.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a lovely aromatic depth that compliments the fruit perfectly.
- Fresh mint (1 large handful, chopped): A refreshing herbal kick that lifts and brightens every spoonful.
- Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A subtle hint of spice to add complexity and balance the sweetness.
How to Make Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking trays with parchment paper or silicone mats to make sure your cinnamon chips bake evenly without sticking. This step sets the stage for a perfectly crispy and golden finish.
Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the white or cane sugar and cinnamon until they’re well blended. This flavorful mixture is crucial because it coats the tortillas and transforms them into sweet, aromatic chips that pair beautifully with the fresh salsa.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortilla Chips
Cut each tortilla into chip-sized wedges, roughly like a pizza slice. Place them on your prepared trays, then brush lightly with oil—or if you want to keep it plant-based and light, aquafaba works nicely, though oil tends to give crispier results. Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mix generously over the triangles, making sure every piece gets some love. Pop them into the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn golden and crisp, keeping an eye so they don’t burn.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Salsa
For the salsa, toss your diced fresh strawberries in a bowl with fresh lime juice, strawberry jam, vanilla extract, chopped mint, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. The jam adds a richer sweetness while the pepper offers a surprising kick that lifts the flavor profile beautifully. Let this bright mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and the juices to meld, creating a beautifully balanced, refreshing salsa.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your cinnamon chips are crispy and your strawberry salsa is perfectly marinated, bring them together at room temperature. The warm chips and cool salsa offer such a wonderful contrast in both texture and temperature. It’s truly one of those combinations that makes your taste buds dance.
How to Serve Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair when serving can enhance the enjoyment of this dessert. Fresh mint leaves sprinkled on top add a vibrant green touch and a refreshing aroma that complements the fruity salsa perfectly. For a little more decadence, a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side pairs wonderfully, offering creaminess against the crunch and tang.
Side Dishes
While the cinnamon chips and strawberry salsa can stand confidently on their own, pairing them with a light, creamy cheese like mascarpone or ricotta can create a beautiful balance. Alternatively, serving this dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt can take the experience from great to downright unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the strawberry salsa over individual dessert glasses and top with a handful of cinnamon chips for a pretty parfait-style presentation. Or, if you’re hosting a party, serve the salsa in a hollowed-out watermelon or strawberry-shaped bowl to really wow your guests. Even adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts can bring extra texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the strawberry salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The fresh fruit stays vibrant and juicy, though it’s best enjoyed as soon as possible for maximum freshness. Keep the cinnamon chips separate to preserve their crunch.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe. The fresh strawberries release a lot of water as they thaw, which could make the salsa watery and mushy. It’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh or within a few days.
Reheating
If your cinnamon chips lose their crispiness, you can gently reheat them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for a few minutes to bring back that perfect crunch. Avoid reheating the salsa; it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be aware that the salsa might be a little softer and more watery.
Is there a vegan option for the cinnamon chips?
Absolutely! Simply use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or your favorite plant-based oil to brush on the tortilla chips before baking, ensuring a crisp and vegan-friendly result.
Can I make the cinnamon sugar mix ahead of time?
Yes, the cinnamon sugar mix can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for several weeks. It’s a helpful shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is the black pepper in the salsa?
The freshly ground black pepper adds just a subtle hint of warmth and complexity — it’s not spicy-hot but enhances the sweetness nicely. You can adjust the amount to your taste or omit it if you prefer.
What other fruits can I use for this dessert salsa?
While strawberries are fantastic here, you could experiment with peaches, mangoes, or mixed berries for a different twist. Just keep the lime and mint elements, which complement most fruits beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of fresh fruit, warm spices, and crispy textures in a fun, approachable way. It’s simple enough for any day but special enough for celebrations, and once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Give it a go and enjoy sharing this sweet, zesty, and crunchy delight with friends and family!
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Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and fresh dessert featuring a sweet and tangy strawberry salsa paired with crispy cinnamon-coated tortilla chips. Perfect for a light and flavorful treat that combines juicy strawberries, zesty lime, and aromatic mint with crunchy, cinnamon-sugared chips baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar
- 1 cup (200 grams) white or cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Chips
- 5 x 10 inch flour tortillas
- ¼ cup (60 ml) oil (or aquafaba for a less crispy option)
For the Strawberry Salsa
- 2 lb (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
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the white or cane sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly blended. Set this mixture aside to be used on the chips.
- Cut and season tortillas: Slice the flour tortillas into chip-sized wedges. Brush each wedge lightly with oil to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and support crispiness during baking.
- Coat and bake chips: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the oiled tortilla wedges. Arrange them on the prepared baking trays in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until the chips are golden and crisp, approximately 10-15 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Make the strawberry salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced fresh strawberries with the juice of one small lime, strawberry jam, vanilla extract, chopped fresh mint, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to blend all flavors.
- Let salsa marinate: Allow the strawberry salsa mixture to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting time enhances the flavors and softens the berries slightly.
- Serve: Once the cinnamon chips are cooled to room temperature and the salsa has marinated, serve the two together. Enjoy the contrast of sweet, fresh salsa and warm, crunchy chips.
Notes
- Using oil instead of aquafaba will yield crisper chips, but aquafaba provides a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Keep an eye on the chips while baking as they can burn quickly due to sugar content.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar mixture on the chips according to your sweetness preference.
- Fresh mint adds a bright flavor to the salsa but can be omitted or substituted with basil for a different twist.
- For a more tangy salsa, increase the lime juice slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
