No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups are a tasty treat! These cute cups combine crunchy pretzels, creamy filling, and sweet raspberries for a perfect mix of flavors.
They’re super easy to make, and no oven is needed! I love making these for parties—they always vanish quickly. Who can resist that salty-sweet combo? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Pretzels: These are key for the crust’s salty crunch. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free pretzels for a similar taste. I love using the mini ones because they fit perfectly into the cups!
Cream Cheese: It gives that rich, creamy texture. For a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese works, but I think regular cream cheese has the best flavor. You could even use mascarpone for a twist!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This adds fluffiness to the filling. If you want a lighter version, you could use whipped topping instead. Keep in mind, though, the texture will change a bit.
Raspberry Jam: Feel free to swap with another berry jam if raspberries aren’t your favorite; strawberry or blueberry are fantastic alternatives. I love the tartness of raspberry jam, which balances the sweetness!
How Do You Get the Cream Cheese Filling Just Right?
Getting that perfect creamy texture for the filling is essential. Start with softened cream cheese—this helps achieve a smooth mix. Here’s how:
- Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Mix in powdered sugar slowly, so it combines well without lumps.
- When folding in the whipped cream, use a gentle hand to maintain that airy fluffiness. Think of it like folding in your favorite dish—slow and careful!
Taking these steps will give you a creamy, dreamy filling that pairs wonderfully with the crust and jam!
No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups mini pretzels, crushed (reserve some whole for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
For the Topping:
- 1 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
- Whole mini pretzels for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will take about 30 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to chill them for at least 2 hours for the best texture. It’s an easy and delicious dessert that you can prep ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed mini pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until all crumbs are evenly coated. This will create a nice salty, sweet crust!
2. Create the Crust Layer:
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pretzel mixture into the bottom of each 4-ounce cup or small serving glass. Press down lightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form a firm crust at the bottom. It should feel solid!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick and delightful. This is the delicious layer of goodness we all love!
4. Whip the Heavy Cream:
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream should hold its shape. This step makes the filling light and fluffy!
5. Combine the Creams:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in batches until fully combined. Do this carefully; we want to keep that airy texture. You can use a spatula for a gentle fold!
6. Fill the Cups:
Spoon or pipe the light cream cheese filling evenly over the pretzel crusts in each cup. Fill them generously, then smooth the tops if you like!
7. Add the Raspberry Jam:
Spread about 1 tablespoon of raspberry jam over each cream filling layer. This adds a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
8. Dollop and Decorate:
Top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream, then sprinkle some whole mini pretzels and fresh raspberries on top for a lovely garnish. These little touches make every bite enjoyable!
9. Chill and Set:
Cover the cups and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set. This step is crucial for everything to come together perfectly!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups chilled and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors—salty, sweet, creamy, and fruity all in one bite! Perfect for any occasion! 😊
Can I Use Different Flavors of Jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam gives a lovely tartness, you can easily substitute it with your favorite flavors like strawberry, blueberry, or even peach. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but they all make for delicious cups!
Can I Make These Cups in Advance?
Yes, these cups can be made up to a day in advance! Just prepare them according to the recipe, cover them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld together even more!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just note that the pretzel crust may get a bit softer over time, but they’ll still taste great!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cream Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped topping instead of heavy cream. However, the texture will be different—using heavy cream will give you that rich, fluffy filling. Just make sure whatever you use is also chilled for the best results!
