If you’re craving a bright, playful treat that’s guaranteed to delight at any gathering, Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips is the one you need! This fruity mash-up takes ripe strawberries, zesty lime, and a hint of mint, then pairs them with shatteringly crisp, sugar-dusted cinnamon tortilla chips—a truly irresistible duo that’s sweet, refreshing, and ever so snackable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unforgettable Flavor Combo: The juicy freshness of strawberries, zingy lime, and peppery mint mingle perfectly with the warm, crispy cinnamon chips.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Fun: Whether for parties or quiet evenings, Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips brings smiles and disappears fast—everyone loves to scoop!
- Totally Customizable: Play with toppings or swap in different fruits to make it uniquely yours—the base is endlessly versatile.
- Quick & Easy Prep: The recipe requires just a handful of basic ingredients, with most of the magic happening in under half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every flavorful bite of Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips starts with simple pantry staples and fresh produce. Each ingredient has its moment to shine—tortillas for the crunchy base, warming cinnamon, and luscious ripe strawberries for the star-packed salsa.
- Flour Tortillas: The foundation of your cinnamon chips—choose a sturdy brand for best crispiness and strength when scooping the salsa.
- White or Cane Sugar: Gives your chips that sweet sparkle and perfectly balances the tanginess of the salsa.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth, depth, and an addictive aroma to the chips—don’t skimp!
- Oil (or Aquafaba): Oil ensures delightfully crispy chips, but aquafaba is a fantastic plant-based alternative if you want to keep things lighter or vegan.
- Fresh Strawberries: The undeniable star—choose the ripest, reddest berries you can find for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Lime: Both zest and juice provide a bright, zippy edge that wakes up all the flavors in the salsa.
- Strawberry Jam: Enhances the natural sweetness and gives the salsa a glossy, slightly thickened texture that clings to every bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a whisper of creamy, fragrant complexity to round out the fruitiness.
- Fresh Mint: For unexpected brightness—mint lifts the whole dish and keeps it feeling extra refreshing.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Just a dash! It contrasts the sweetness and surprises your palate with a subtle kick.
Variations
One of the best things about Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips is how easy it is to tailor! Play with what’s in season—or in your pantry—and let your taste buds guide you. Here are some tried-and-true twists to inspire you:
- Berry Medley Salsa: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or diced mangoes for a more colorful, multi-fruit salsa.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle the baked cinnamon chips with a little melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Vegan & Lighter: Use aquafaba to brush your chips and swap the jam for agave nectar for a plant-based, lower-sugar option.
- Tropical Vibes: Add diced pineapple or kiwi to the salsa for a tangy-sweet, sunshine-filled variation.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar or toss a little chopped jalapeño into the salsa for heat-lovers.
How to Make Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Chips
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two large baking trays with parchment or a silicone mat. Stack your tortillas and—using a sharp knife—cut them into quarters, then cut each quarter into four wedges to create perfectly sized chips. Whisk together the sugar and cinnamon, then lay your tortilla pieces in a single layer on the baking trays. Brush lightly with oil (or aquafaba for a lighter touch), sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar, flip, and repeat so every surface gets coated in sweet, spiced magic.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden & Crisp
Slide the trays into your hot oven and let the chips bake for about 12 minutes. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes—these chips can go from perfectly crisp to over-browned in a flash! When bubbling, golden, and fragrant, pull them out and let them cool completely on the tray. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool, rewarding your patience with glorious crunch.
Step 3: Craft the Strawberry Salsa
While the chips cool, dice your strawberries and add them to a large bowl. Squeeze in the juice of a lime, then stir in the strawberry jam, vanilla extract, chopped mint, and a dash of black pepper. Mix thoroughly so every morsel gets coated in those vibrant flavors. If possible, let the salsa sit for 30 minutes—this extra time allows all the juices and aromatics to blend beautifully.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the salsa into a serving bowl and surround it with your cinnamon chips. For the best texture and taste, serve Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips at room temperature—and get ready to see it vanish!
Pro Tips for Making Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
- Chip Cutting Made Easy: Stack tortillas in a neat pile, then use a sharp chef’s knife or pizza cutter for quick, even chip shapes—consistency ensures even baking.
- The Magic of Rest: Let the salsa sit for 30 minutes before serving so the strawberries can release their natural juices, making the salsa much more flavorful and luscious.
- Watch that Oven! Set a timer for your chips and peek in the last few minutes; tortillas brown rapidly, and a golden hue means they’re at peak crispness.
- Pepper Power: Don’t skip the black pepper—it quietly enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a sophisticated twist that keeps your guests guessing (in a good way!).
How to Serve Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Garnishes
For a fresh finish, sprinkle extra chopped mint or a little lime zest over the top of your salsa just before serving. You can also toss in a few whole or halved strawberries for a burst of color. If you want to go all out, a swirl of whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt makes a dreamy accompaniment.
Side Dishes
This summery salsa is a showstopper on its own, but pairs beautifully with other light, festive desserts. Serve alongside bowls of vanilla bean ice cream, mini cheesecakes, or even a platter of assorted fresh fruit for a relaxed, crowd-pleasing spread. It’s also amazing with sparkling lemonade, rosé, or fruity cocktails.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by layering the salsa and chips parfait-style in mason jars for individual serving, or create a “dessert nachos” platter loaded with all your favorites—think white chocolate drizzle, sliced fruit, and edible flowers. For parties, offer the salsa in mini cups with a few chips on the side for easy, mess-free nibbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chips, if kept in a sealed bag or airtight tin, will stay crisp and delightful for up to two weeks—just be sure they’re fully cool before storing.
Freezing
Freezing the cinnamon chips works surprisingly well; pop them in a freezer bag and store for up to one month. Let them return to room temperature before serving, or pop them in a warm oven for a couple of minutes to restore crispness. The strawberry salsa, however, doesn’t freeze well—frozen strawberries release too much liquid and alter the texture.
Reheating
If your chips lose their crunch (especially in humid weather), revive them by spreading on a baking sheet and warming in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. There’s no need to reheat the salsa—serve it straight from the fridge or at room temp for best flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries work best for Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips: they’re firmer and release less water, resulting in a brighter, chunkier salsa. Frozen strawberries can turn mushy and watery, which isn’t ideal for this dish.
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How far in advance can I make the cinnamon chips?
You can make the cinnamon chips up to two weeks in advance! Just be sure to cool them completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp and delicious.
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Is there a gluten-free option for the chips?
Absolutely—gluten-free flour tortillas work beautifully for the cinnamon chips! Prepare as directed, just keep an eye on their bake time as they may brown a little faster than traditional flour versions.
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Can I serve Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips at a potluck or picnic?
This recipe is a hit at potlucks and picnics. Pack the salsa and chips separately, then assemble just before serving to ensure maximum crunch and freshness. It travels well and always impresses!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll try Dessert Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips soon—it’s one of those recipes that turns ordinary moments into celebrations. Simple to make, naturally vibrant, and endlessly fun to share, this dish has a way of bringing people together bite after irresistible bite. Enjoy every scoop!
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
A delightful and refreshing dessert recipe featuring a vibrant Strawberry Salsa served with crispy Cinnamon Chips. Perfect for a sweet treat or party snack.
Ingredients
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)
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 and prepare trays: 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 well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare tortilla chips: Cut tortillas into chip-sized wedges and lay them out on the baking trays. Brush with oil, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake until crispy.
- Make the Strawberry Salsa: In a bowl, combine diced strawberries, lime juice, strawberry jam, vanilla extract, mint, and black pepper. Let sit for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy the salsa with the cinnamon chips at room temperature.
Notes
- Dessert Strawberry Salsa is best served fresh.
- Store leftover Cinnamon Chips in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg