No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups are the perfect treat for those who love a sweet and salty combo! They have a crunchy pretzel base, creamy filling, and a fruity raspberry topping.
These little cups are so fun to make! I love how quick they come together—no baking required! Plus, they look fancy enough to impress anyone who sees them. 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: Use regular pretzels for the base. If you need a gluten-free option, gluten-free pretzels work perfectly too. I’ve even tried using crushed graham crackers for a different flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over saltiness. If you want to make it dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute can be a great choice!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives it that rich texture. You can swap it with a dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangier taste. I like using whipped cream cheese because it’s already light and fluffy!
Raspberry Jam: Use any good-quality raspberry jam or preserves. If you prefer fresh raspberries, you can mash them slightly and sweeten them with a bit of sugar to create a similar top layer.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Filling?
The filling is key to these cups, and it’s vital to whip that cream properly. Start by beating the cream cheese and powdered sugar until there are no lumps. Then, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this gives the filling lightness.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Make sure to fold until just combined; you want to maintain that airy texture!
- Layer the filling right away on the crust, so it stays fluffy and doesn’t settle.
Enjoy creating these delicious cups that are sure to be a hit!
No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For The Toppings:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- Fresh raspberries, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 20 minutes to prep and requires at least 1 hour of chilling time in the fridge to set, making it an easy and impressive dessert for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the pretzel crumbs are well combined and coated. This mixture forms a crunchy and flavorful crust!
Next, take small serving cups or glasses and press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom to create a solid crust layer. Make sure it’s nicely compact so it holds together!
2. Make the Cream Filling:
In a separate bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar until it’s nice and creamy without any lumps. It should be smooth and easy to spread.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beater or whisk out of the cream, it stands tall without falling over!
Now gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the fluffy whipped cream—just mix until everything is combined!
3. Assemble the Cups:
Spoon or pipe this creamy filling evenly onto the top of the pretzel crust in each cup. Make sure to fill them nicely!
Now, spread a layer of raspberry jam over the cream layer in each cup. This will add a fruity touch that complements the sweet cream and salty crust perfectly.
4. Top and Chill:
Finish with fresh raspberries on top for decoration and extra fruity goodness. Once assembled, cover the cups and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the layers meld together and firm up.
And voila! Your sweet and salty No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups are ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for a party or a cozy dessert at home. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Raspberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute the raspberry jam and fresh raspberries with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit used!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can use cool whip or a thick dairy-free whipped topping for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to keep them covered to maintain freshness. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will still be great!
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make these cups a day ahead! Assemble everything and refrigerate them so they’re ready to serve when you need them. Just wait to add the fresh raspberries until just before serving for the best presentation.
