5 from 2 reviews

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits

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My Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits are the perfect sweet, salty, and creamy no-bake dessert to make during warm weather months. Just like my no bake berry cheesecake bars and my no bake mini Biscoff cheesecakes!

This parfait version of the classic Strawberry Pretzel Salad offers the same delicious layers in a fun and elegant parfait glass. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a special treat at home, your guests or family will never know how easy it was to make!

The fruity, in-season strawberry layer is irresistible and perfectly uses fresh, juicy strawberries. The creamy layer is made with cream cheese, Cool Whip, and powdered sugar, and the pretzel crust is made with brown sugar and melted butter.

With everyday, easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to make and is my new favorite salad! ๐Ÿ˜‰

strawberry pretzel salads in parfait glasses topped with whipped cream and crushed pretzels.

Why this recipe works

  • Individual Portions: Serving in parfait glasses makes for a beautiful presentation and easy portion control.
  • Layered Perfection: The crunchy pretzel base, creamy middle, and fruity top create a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: These parfaits can be prepared in advance, making them a stress-free dessert option! I have notes on how to do this on the recipe card.
  • No baking required: Unlike traditional recipes, my strawberry pretzel salad doesn’t require baking the pretzel crust layer.

What is Strawberry Pretzel Salad?

  • Traditionally, strawberry Pretzel Salad is a layered dessert that combines sweet, salty, and creamy textures. It’s layered with a crunchy pretzel crust, a cream cheese whipped topping, and a strawberry layer typically made with gelatin (Jello).
ingredients needed to make strawberry pretzel parfaits in glass bowls.

Ingredient Notes

You can scroll down to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements.

  • Pretzels: You’ll need to use a food processor to crush the pretzels evenly. You want small, consistent pieces, but not too fine. Or, you can place the pretzels in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin!
  • Sugar: you’ll need brown sugar for the pretzel layer, granulated sugar for the strawberry layer, and powdered sugar in the creamy layer. You can use granulated sugar as the sweetener for the pretzel layer, I just really like the flavor the brown sugar has in this recipe.
  • Fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cream cheese: use full-fat cream cheese, and be sure it is softened to room temperature.
  • Cool Whip: go for the extra creamy kind if you can find it!
  • Other ingredients needed: melted unsalted butter, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch.
a black spoon taking a bite out of a strawberry pretzel salad parfait.

Step by Step Directions

(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)

an up close image of strawberry pretzel salad in glass cups.

Expert Tips

  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar and whipped topping.
  • Press Pretzels Firmly: Press the pretzel mixture into the parfait cups firmly. This helps create a solid crust that holds together well.
  • Layer Carefully: Be gentle when spreading each layer to keep them distinct.
  • Garnish: Just before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch.
an up close image of strawberry pretzel salad in glass cups.

Storage

  • Once assembled, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note: the pretzel crust may start to soften after the first day due to the moisture from the cream cheese layer.
  • Each layer can be made up to two days in advance. The pretzel layer should be stored in a baggie at room temperature to keep it crisp, and the cream cheese and strawberry layers should be kept in containers in the fridge. 

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

5 from 2 reviews

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits

Prep: 1 hour
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 parfaits
You will love the crunch of buttery pretzels, the smooth richness of cream cheese, and the vibrant freshness of strawberries, all coming together in a single, irresistible, no-bake layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfait. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself, these are sure to impress and satisfy your summer time dessert cravings.

Ingredients

Strawberry layer

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon zest (or the zest from 1 lemon)
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Pretzel layer

  • 4 cups pretzels
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup butter, unsalted, melted

Creamy layer

  • 8 oz. full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 8 oz. extra creamy Cool Whip

Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

Strawberry layer

  • Place the strawberries and sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
    4 cups fresh strawberries, diced, 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • Stir together the lemon juice, zest, vanilla and cornstarch. Pour over the strawberries and sugar. Bring to a boil.
    1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. lemon zest (or the zest from 1 lemon), 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Turn the heat down to low and cook another 5-10 minutes Start Timer. Strawberries will begin to release their natural juices. 
  • Take off the heat and allow to cool, then refrigerate. It’s best if this is completely cooled so when you spoon it on top of the other layers it’s a clean layer and the juices don’t bleed down the sides of the parfait glasses.

Pretzel layer

  • Pulse pretzels into a pretty fine texture – some little chunks are okay – then stir in brown sugar and melted butter.
    4 cups pretzels, 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed, 1/2 cup butter, unsalted, melted
  • Divide this mixture into the cups and press down to create the crust. Set aside.

Creamy layer

  • Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment for 2-3 minutes Start Timer until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and mix again.
    8 oz. full-fat cream cheese, softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Then, fold in the cool whip.
    8 oz. extra creamy Cool Whip

Assemble

  • Measurements will vary depending on the size cups you use. I like to layer in the following order
  • ~3 Tbsp. pretzel mixture, ~¼ cup creamy mixture, ~2 Tbsp. of the cooled topping Yields ~10-12 cups depending on the cup size.
  • Enjoy right away or refrigerate for a few hours prior to serving!

Video

Notes

Storage
  • Once assembled, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note: the pretzel crust may start to soften after the first day due to the moisture from the cream cheese layer.
  • To store in separate layers: each layer can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store the pretzel layer in a baggie at room temperature so it stays crisp. Keep the cream cheese and strawberry layers in containers in the fridge. 

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1parfait, Calories: 443kcal (22%), Carbohydrates: 64g (21%), Protein: 6g (12%), Fat: 19g (29%), Saturated Fat: 11g (69%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 51mg (17%), Sodium: 560mg (24%), Potassium: 229mg (7%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 34g (38%), Vitamin A: 635IU (13%), Vitamin C: 35mg (42%), Calcium: 73mg (7%), Iron: 2mg (11%)

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Krolls Korner

Krolls Korner

Welcome to my tiny โ€œkornerโ€ on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, donโ€™t tell anyone). I am so glad youโ€™re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.

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5 from 2 votes
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Molly

For the pretzels, is it measured in 8 cups whole or 8 cups crushed? Thank you, canโ€™t wait to make it!

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Laura

Huge hit! My family loved this yummy sweet and salty combo. The pretzels are a game changer. I made mine in an 8.5 x 10 dish instead of individual servings. Delicious!

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Chris

This recipe is a hit!
The creamy layer is so good with the extra creamy cool whip..I may be using that technique in other recipes.
Next time I may double the strawberries..our parfaits last night were heavy on the berries.
Highly recommend

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Diana

Exactly what I’ve been looking for — individualized servings! ๐Ÿ™‚ Can you please tell me what size serving container you used? (I may have overlooked it, but I didn’t see it listed in the recipe area.) Thank you!

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