These individual Strawberry Pretzel Salad cups have the best combo of sweet and salty AND creamy and crunchy in each one. This easy strawberry pretzel dessert recipe is the perfect treat to bring to summer picnics and barbecues.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Right now I'm all about strawberry desserts. A few weeks ago I made a few batches of this Strawberry Pie Filling. It's so easy to make and is perfect for eating with cheesecake, waffles, and ice cream.
Another one of my favorite no bake desserts in the summer is strawberry pretzel salad. This easy Southern dessert has layers of crunchy pretzels, no bake cheesecake, and strawberries in Jello.
I decided to combine that pretzel salad with my homemade strawberry pie filling. Holy cow!!! These little strawberry cheesecake parfaits turned out so good.
Each jar has the perfect blend of sweet and salty, plus creamy and crunchy.
Ingredients for Pretzel Salad with Fresh Strawberries
You will only need a few ingredients for each layer in this strawberry Jello pretzel salad recipe. Find the full recipe at the bottom of the post.
For the Crust
- Pretzels - smaller salted pretzels work best
- Granulated Sugar - adds sweetness to the crust
- Butter - holds it all together
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese - set it out ahead of time to soften
- Powdered Sugar - sweetens the filling
- Vanilla Bean Paste - adds a fun flavor and vanilla bean specks to the filling. You can also use vanilla extract.
- Cool Whip - gives the filling a light fluffy texture. Feel free to use this Homemade Whipped Cream if you prefer.
For the Topping
- Strawberry Pie Filling - made with fresh strawberries. Feel free to use your favorite flavor pie filling instead. This Cherry Pie Filling or this Blueberry Honey Sauce would be great too.
- Cool Whip - optional topping
How to make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits
The layers in these easy little cheesecake parfaits are so easy to put together. This recipe makes 4 large jars, but it can be divided into smaller jars to make more desserts.
Step One: Pretzel Layer
- Use a food processor to crush the pretzels into small chunks. Do not over pulse or you will end up with pretzel dust.
- Mix together the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar.
- Spoon a pretzel layer into the bottom of four jars and set aside.
Step Two: Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the room temperature cream cheese and sugar until creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla bean paste and Cool Whip until completely mixed and fluffy.
- Use a piping bag and large decorating tip to swirl the cream cheese layer evenly into the jars.
Step Three: Strawberry Pie Filling
- Top each parfait with strawberry pie filling. Cover and refrigerate.
- Right before serving add a swirl of Cool Whip and a mini pretzel.
BRUCREW TIP: Don't have a food processor? Smash the pretzels in a ziplock bag.
Storage
- Refrigerator - Place the finished strawberry pretzel parfaits in the refrigerator as soon as they are made. They will keep for 1-2 days if covered properly. Any longer and the pretzel crust will start to soften.
- Freezer - The cheesecake filling and strawberry pie filling can be frozen WITHOUT the crust. I do not recommend freezing the crust because as the parfaits thaw, the moisture will make the pretzels soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make strawberry pretzel salad the night before?
These pretzel parfaits really are best if served the day they are made and served within 24 hours. The pretzel crust will start to soften if it stays in the refrigerator for more than 2 days.
What kind of pretzels are best for pretzel salad?
The smaller twists, waffle pretzels, or sticks work the best in these kind of desserts because they can be crushed easily. Make sure you buy salted pretzels, so you get a good sweet and salty flavor in your dessert.
Can I use a different pie filling in these cheesecake parfaits?
Definitely. Feel free to use any flavor of pie filling that you love. Cherry, blueberry, raspberry, or peach are all delicious in these cups.
How big are these strawberry pretzel parfaits?
I used four tulip Weck jars that are about 7 ½ ounces each. You can also use small 4 ounce mason jars and make 8 cheesecake parfaits with this recipe.
Other Strawberry Desserts
- Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
- Strawberry Daiquiri Dessert
- Strawberry Tart
- Strawberry Fluff
- Strawberry Pretzel Pie
- Easy Strawberry Cobbler
- Strawberry Chia Jam
- Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
- Strawberry Lemonade Pie
- Lemon and Strawberry Cake
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Recipe
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits Recipe
These individual Strawberry Pretzel Salad cups have the best combo of sweet and salty AND creamy and crunchy in each one. This easy strawberry pretzel dessert is the perfect treat to bring to summer picnics and barbecues.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup crushed pretzel pieces + 4 whole mini pretzels
- ½ Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ Tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 - 16 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed and divided
- 1 cup Homemade Strawberry Pie Filling
Instructions
- Mix together the crushed pretzel pieces, sugar, and butter. Divide the mixture evenly in the bottom of four 7-8 ounce jars.
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Stir in the vanilla bean paste and 1 ½ cups Cool Whip gently.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling into the jars gently. Or you can use a disposable piping bag and icing tip #12 to swirl it in easier.
- Top with the strawberry pie filling and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Swirl on some extra Cool Whip using icing tip 1M and top with a mini pretzel right before serving.
Notes
*These are best if served the day you make them or one day after. The pretzel crust will start to soften if they are in the refrigerator for more than 2 days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 873Total Fat: 64gSaturated Fat: 45gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 463mgCarbohydrates: 70gFiber: 1gSugar: 52gProtein: 8g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*The post for Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits was first published March 26, 2019. The post was updated and republished June 19, 2021.
Natalie
My whole family loved these and have already asked me multiple times to make them again.
I used Quinn gluten free pretzel sticks.
I will use smaller jars in the future. As delicious as these are, they are sweet. We plan to make a bunch of smaller jars of them for future gatherings. My daughter wants them at her next birthday instead of a cake.
Jocelyn
I am so glad you are able to make our desserts using gluten free options. If you like chocolate, you may like this flourless chocolate cake. It's one of our all time favorites. https://insidebrucrewlife.com/best-flourless-chocolate-cake/
Taylor
These are so cute! Can't beat a sweet and salty combo!
Becky Hardin
Strawberry Parfait is one of my favorites! Love the idea of individual cups.
Lori
Love to make this salad in your parfait form! So much less mess from the pretzels.
Laura Reese
This looks like the perfect combo of sweet and salty!
Natasha
Oh how delicious do these look! I love they they are served individually to keep them pretty 🙂