These Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining crunchy pretzels, fresh strawberries, and creamy layers. Perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to elegant dinner parties, these parfaits are not just visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests impressed and asking for seconds!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare this dessert in no time.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of strawberries complements the salty pretzels, creating a harmonious mix.
Versatile Presentation: These parfaits are great for individual servings or as a shared dessert in a large bowl.
Customizable Layers: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or add more layers based on your preferences.
Impressive Yet Simple: This dessert looks fancy enough for special occasions but is easy enough for weeknight treats.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving cups

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: Quickly breaks down pretzels into the perfect size without turning them to dust.
Stand mixer: Ensures whipped cream achieves that perfect fluffy texture without over-mixing.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for achieving the right balance of flavors.

Ingredients

A stunning dessert, these parfaits put a creamy new spin on the classic strawberry pretzel salad.

For the Base:

12-14 fresh strawberries, washed with tops cut off, and diced
2 tsp Dixie Crystal’s granulated sugar

For the Crunch Layer:

1 1/2 cups mini pretzels
2 tbsp butter, melted
scant 1/8 tsp cinnamon

For the Creamy Layer:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp Dixie Crystal’s light brown sugar
1/8 tsp Adam’s Extract vanilla extract
1/8 tsp Adam’s Extract imitation strawberry extract

How to Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Add the strawberries to a bowl.
Sprinkle the sugar over top, stirring to coat.
Refrigerate the strawberries for 30 minutes. Don’t skip this step; it helps them release their natural sugars and juices.

Step 2: Make the Pretzel Layer

Pulse the pretzels in a food processor just until broken into small pieces — but NOT pulverized. We want some crunch!
Add the melted butter and cinnamon, pulsing another time or two just until evenly combined.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the cream just until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-mix!
Using a whisk, stir in the brown sugar and both extracts until evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble Your Parfaits

In your cups, add a layer of the cream mixture, followed by strawberries, then pretzels.
Repeat layering until all ingredients are used up.
Top each cup off with whipped cream, a slice of strawberry, and a pretzel. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits!

How to Serve Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits are not only delicious but also visually appealing. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

Individual Cups

Serve each parfait in clear cups to showcase the beautiful layers of cream, strawberries, and pretzels. This presentation adds an elegant touch to any gathering.

Family Style

Place all the parfaits in a large bowl or trifle dish for a family-style dessert. Guests can serve themselves, making it perfect for parties or potlucks.

Garnished with Fresh Mint

Add a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves on top of each parfait for a pop of color and added freshness. This elevates both the look and taste of your dessert.

With Extra Toppings

Offer extra toppings like chocolate shavings or crushed nuts on the side. This allows everyone to customize their parfaits according to their preferences.

As a Holiday Treat

Present these parfaits during special occasions or holidays. Their festive colors make them ideal for celebrations like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

How to Perfect Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits

To ensure your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

Use Fresh Strawberries: Always select ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix Cream: Whip the cream just until stiff peaks form. Overmixing can lead to butter instead of whipped cream.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the parfaits to chill in the fridge before serving. This helps all flavors meld together beautifully.
Layer Carefully: When layering, do so gently to maintain distinct layers. This enhances both appearance and texture.
Serve Immediately: These parfaits are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them soon after assembling for maximum crunch.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other fruits or flavored extracts to create variations of these delicious parfaits.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great options:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken marinated in herbs complements the sweetness of the parfaits beautifully.
Vegetable Crudités: A platter of fresh vegetables with dip offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy dessert.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well with the salty pretzels, enhancing overall flavor balance.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing taste that pairs nicely with sweet desserts.
Garlic Breadsticks: Warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter create a savory side that balances sweetness.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds more color and freshness to your meal.
Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches filled with veggies or cheese make for a delightful savory addition.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a satisfying crunch alongside your sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Overmixing the cream: This can turn your whipped cream into butter. Whip just until stiff peaks form.
Skipping the sugar on strawberries: Not sprinkling sugar on the strawberries will lead to bland fruit. Always let them sit to release juices.
Pulverizing pretzels: Crushing pretzels too fine removes their crunch. Pulse gently; you want some chunks!
Not layering properly: Layering incorrectly can result in an unappealing presentation. Alternate layers of cream, strawberries, and pretzels for a beautiful parfait.
Serving too late: These parfaits are best served immediately. Waiting too long can lead to soggy pretzels.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Keep separate components if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits

These parfaits don’t freeze well due to the cream and fresh strawberries.
It’s best to make them fresh instead of freezing.

Reheating Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits

Oven: Not recommended as it may ruin the texture of the parfait.
Microwave: Avoid heating; serve cold for the best taste.
Stovetop: Not applicable; these are best enjoyed chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits.

How do I make vegan Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits?

You can use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free butter as substitutes for a vegan version.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid before using them in the parfaits.

What other fruits can be used in Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits?

Try using blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.

How long do Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits last?

These parfaits are best enjoyed within 2 days when stored in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Their creamy layers combined with crunchy pretzels create a satisfying treat that anyone can enjoy. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite fruits or adjusting sweetness levels. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cara
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits, a refreshing twist on the classic dessert. These parfaits combine layers of creamy whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and crunchy pretzels for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for any occasion—from summer picnics to elegant dinner parties—this dessert is as visually stunning as it is simple to prepare. With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, your guests will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

12–14 fresh strawberries
1 ½ cups mini pretzels
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp light brown sugar
2 tbsp melted butter
Cinnamon (for flavor)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare strawberries: Dice strawberries, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make pretzel layer: Pulse pretzels in a food processor until broken into small pieces. Mix in melted butter and cinnamon.
Whip cream: In a stand mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in light brown sugar and extracts.
Assemble parfaits: Layer whipped cream, strawberries, and pretzels in serving cups until ingredients are used up. Top with additional whipped cream and a strawberry slice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American