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If you are craving a fun and delicious treat that dances on your taste buds, look no further than this sensational Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe. This vibrant dessert transforms fresh strawberries into a sweet, tangy salsa that perfectly complements warm, crispy cinnamon-coated chips. It’s a playful twist on traditional salsa that brings an irresistible burst of freshness and spice, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a delightful snack any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward but essential, contributing to a balance of sweet, zesty, and aromatic flavors that enhance the overall experience.
- White or cane sugar (1 cup/200 grams): Provides just the right amount of sweetness to contrast the tartness of the strawberries and enrich the cinnamon chips.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Adds a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with both the chips and the salsa.
- Flour tortillas (5 x 10 inch): The base for the chips, offering a mild and crispy vessel for the strawberry salsa.
- Oil or aquafaba (¼ cup/60 ml): Brushing the tortillas with oil results in crispier chips, but aquafaba is a great vegan alternative while still helping the sugar and cinnamon stick.
- Fresh strawberries (2lb/907 grams): The star of the dish, these juicy, diced berries bring vibrant color and freshness to the salsa.
- Small lime (1): Its juice adds a lively citrus zing that lifts the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Strawberry jam (3 tablespoons): Deepens the fruity notes and adds a subtle syrupy texture to the salsa.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a rich, mellow aroma that makes the salsa feel extra special.
- Fresh mint (1 large handful, chopped): Brings a refreshing coolness that contrasts beautifully with the warm cinnamon chips.
- Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A surprising twist that adds a subtle kick and rounds out the flavor profile.
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) and lining two large baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cinnamon chips bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for perfectly crisp results.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the white or cane sugar with the ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir until the mixture is uniform. This simple cinnamon sugar blend is the magic dust that will make your chips sparkle with warmth and sweetness.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Chips
Cut each flour tortilla into chip-sized wedges—think triangles about the size of your classic tortilla chip. Brush each piece lightly with oil or aquafaba, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top. Arrange them in a single layer on your baking trays, making sure they don’t overlap to achieve perfect crispiness as they bake.
Step 4: Bake the Chips Until Crispy
Place your trays in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye near the end to make sure the chips get golden and crisp but do not burn. When they’re ready, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool—they’ll crisp up even more as they rest.
Step 5: Make the Strawberry Salsa
While your chips are baking, combine the diced strawberries, fresh lime juice, strawberry jam, vanilla extract, chopped mint, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Stir gently to blend all those wonderful flavors. Let the salsa sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the juices to meld and the mint’s freshness to shine through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cinnamon chips have cooled and the strawberry salsa is beautifully infused, serve them together at room temperature. The combination of crispy, warm chips with cool, fruity salsa is sure to delight your senses.
How to Serve Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Add a touch of elegance and extra flavor by garnishing your dessert with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered cinnamon. You can also add a few thinly sliced strawberries on the side to brighten up the presentation and invite everyone in for a taste.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The creamy texture complements the crisp chips and juicy salsa, elevating this simple recipe to a showstopper finish. Alternatively, serving it alongside a chilled glass of sparkling rosé creates a fun and festive combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, serve the dessert strawberry salsa in small individual cups or jars with cinnamon chips arranged vertically for easy dipping. You could also offer a “make-your-own” dessert station, allowing guests to build their own bowls with added toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of the Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe, store the strawberry salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the chips separate in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain their crispness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the delicate texture of the fresh strawberry salsa can become mushy upon thawing. The cinnamon chips also lose their crisp texture when frozen and reheated.
Reheating
If the cinnamon chips lose their crunch over time, you can refresh them by popping them back into a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. Just watch closely so they don’t burn. The strawberry salsa is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for this Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe because they provide the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries tend to release too much water when thawed, which can make the salsa watery. If you must use frozen, be sure to drain excess liquid thoroughly.
What can I use if I don’t have flour tortillas?
If flour tortillas are unavailable, you might try corn tortillas, which will create a different flavor profile but still work nicely. Alternatively, naan or pita bread cut into triangles can be baked into delicious cinnamon chips.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! Use aquafaba instead of oil if you want to avoid any animal products, and ensure your strawberry jam doesn’t contain gelatin. This makes the Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe a fun, vegan-friendly treat.
Can I make the salsa spicier?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the strawberry salsa leads to a delightful sweet and spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon chips. Just add a little at a time until you hit your desired heat level.
How long does the salsa need to sit before serving?
Letting the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors as the strawberries release their juices and the mint infuses its refreshing coolness. This resting time is key to achieving the perfect balance in the Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe is such a joyful way to bring fresh fruit and warm spices together in one irresistible dessert. Easy to make and wonderfully crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for summer evenings, casual get-togethers, or just whenever you want to treat yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the smiles it brings!
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Print
Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and refreshing dessert featuring a sweet and tangy strawberry salsa paired with crispy cinnamon sugar tortilla chips. Perfect for parties or a light, fruity treat, this recipe combines fresh strawberries, zesty lime, and fragrant mint with crunchy cinnamon-coated 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 (oil gives crispier results)
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 Oven: Preheat 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 even baking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the white or cane sugar with ground cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside for coating the chips.
- Prepare Tortilla Chips: Cut each flour tortilla into chip-sized wedges. Using a brush, lightly coat each wedge with oil or aquafaba for a crispier texture. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the wedges, then arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking trays. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chips are crispy and lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Make Strawberry Salsa: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced fresh strawberries, freshly squeezed juice of one small lime, strawberry jam, vanilla extract, chopped fresh mint, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to combine all the flavors. Let the salsa sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the strawberry salsa alongside the cooled cinnamon chips at room temperature for a refreshing and crunchy dessert experience.
Notes
- Use oil for crispier cinnamon chips, but aquafaba works as a vegan alternative.
- Letting the strawberry salsa sit enhances flavor infusion and sweetness.
- Store extra chips in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust sugar and cinnamon proportions to taste for a sweeter or spicier chip.
- Fresh mint adds a bright flavor; you can substitute with basil for variation.
