These No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups are a tasty treat! They have a crunchy pretzel base, a creamy raspberry filling, and a fluffy topping. Perfect for when you want something sweet without the oven.
Honestly, these little cups are so fun to make! I love how the salty pretzel and sweet raspberry mix together. Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast at any gathering! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Pretzels: They are perfect for that salty crunch! You can swap them for gluten-free pretzels if needed, or even crushed graham crackers for a different base. I love the mix of salt with sweet, so pretzels are my go-to!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dessert. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could use Greek yogurt instead, though it will change the flavor a bit, it’s a nice twist!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is essential for that fluffy topping. If you want a lower-fat option, you can use whipped topping instead. Just remember it won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Fresh Raspberries: They provide that bright, tart flavor. If you can’t find fresh raspberries, frozen ones work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
How Do I Ensure a Perfect Cream Cheese Mixture?
Getting your cream cheese layer right is key to making your No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups shine. It should be smooth and free of lumps! Here’s how:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and hard to mix.
- Beat it well with an electric mixer until it’s creamy, then slowly add in powdered sugar to avoid clumps. Mix until smooth.
- When folding in the whipped cream, go gently to keep the airiness. This gives a light, fluffy texture.
No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups mini pretzels, crushed (plus some whole for garnish)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Raspberry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam or preserves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful no-bake dessert takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time in the refrigerator. So, get your ingredients ready, whip up the layers, and then relax while they set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pretzel Crust:
Start by placing the mini pretzels in a zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces, or you can use a food processor for a faster method. In a large mixing bowl, blend the crushed pretzels with the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until everything is well combined and moistened.
2. Forming the Base:
Take the pretzel mixture and evenly distribute it into small cups or jars. Press down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a solid crust layer. Set these aside while you prepare the next layers.
3. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
Next, grab a medium bowl and beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until it’s smooth. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4. Whipping the Cream:
In a separate bowl, use a mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will add lightness and fluffiness to your dessert!
5. Combining the Cream Layers:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream! You want this layer to be nice and fluffy.
6. Assembling the Raspberry Layer:
In a small bowl, combine the fresh raspberries with the raspberry jam. Mix until they are well combined but still chunky. This will give a lovely tart flavor to your cups!
7. Layering the Cups:
Now it’s time for assembly! Spoon a layer of the raspberry mixture over the pretzel crust in each cup. Follow this with a generous layer of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture on top.
8. Garnishing and Chilling:
Top each cup with some fresh raspberries and add a few small pretzel pieces for that perfect finishing touch. Now, cover the cups and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to let everything set and the flavors meld together.
9. Serving:
When you’re ready to enjoy, take them out of the fridge, and serve chilled. They’ll be a hit with everyone! Enjoy your delicious No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups, and watch them disappear!
This dessert offers a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tart flavors with a creamy texture and crunchy base—all without any baking required!
Can I Use Different Fruit Instead of Raspberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute raspberries with other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Cups?
Store any leftover raspberry pretzel cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can grab them from the fridge for a quick treat!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, these cups are perfect for making ahead! You can assemble them a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use cool whip or whipped topping as a substitute. Just be sure it’s thawed before mixing it in for the best texture!
