Introduction

This Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfait is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy strawberries, crunchy pretzels, and creamy whipped topping. It’s a no-bake treat that’s perfect for warm days or special gatherings. Quick to assemble and irresistibly tasty, it’s sure to become a favorite dessert.

Two clear glasses show a layered dessert with four main layers. Starting from the bottom, there is a layer of white creamy yogurt, followed by a layer of sliced red strawberries, then a crunchy granola layer in light brown, another white creamy yogurt layer above it, another sliced red strawberries layer, and a top granola layer. Both glasses are topped with a fluffy swirl of white whipped cream, a halved red strawberry on the side, and a small twisted pretzel stuck in the whipped cream. The glasses are placed on a wooden board on a white marbled surface, with a spoon and some whole strawberries nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12-14 fresh strawberries, washed with tops cut off, and diced
2 tsp Dixie Crystal’s granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups mini pretzels
2 tbsp butter, melted
Scant 1/8 tsp cinnamon
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

Instructions

Step 1: Add the diced strawberries to a bowl and sprinkle the granulated sugar over them. Stir gently to coat the strawberries evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out the juices.
Step 2: Pulse the mini pretzels in a food processor until broken into small pieces but not pulverized, leaving some chunks for crunch. Add the melted butter and cinnamon, then pulse a couple more times until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: In a stand mixer bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overwhip. Using a whisk, fold in the light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and imitation strawberry extract until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the parfaits by layering the whipped cream mixture, sugared strawberries, and pretzel mixture in serving cups. Repeat the layers, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream, a slice of strawberry, and a whole pretzel on top. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, try using salted or flavored pretzels to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones thawed and drained, but fresh will give the best flavor and texture.
If you don’t have a food processor, place pretzels in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin carefully.

Storage

Because of the pretzel layer, this parfait is best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispness. If you need to store leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, but note the pretzels will soften. You can re-crisp pretzels separately or add fresh ones before serving.

How to Serve

This image shows a dessert in a clear glass with multiple layers. From the bottom, there is a layer of sliced red strawberries followed by a creamy white layer. Above this, there is a layer of crumbly brown granola. Then another layer of sliced strawberries is visible, topped again by cream. On top of this, there is another granola layer, and the dessert is finished with a fluffy white whipped cream layer. The top is decorated with a single fresh red strawberry slice and two small brown pretzels. The glass is placed on a wooden board with another similar dessert slightly blurred in the background and a strawberry nearby. The surface under the board is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

It’s best served immediately to keep the pretzels crunchy. If you prepare ahead, store components separately and layer just before serving.

Can I use another fruit instead of strawberries?

Yes, you can use raspberries or blueberries, but keep in mind their juiciness and flavor may alter the parfait’s texture and taste slightly.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 353 reviews

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits are a delightful layered dessert featuring sweetened fresh strawberries, crunchy cinnamon-spiced pretzel crumbs, and fluffy whipped cream infused with brown sugar and vanilla. These easy-to-assemble parfaits balance sweet, salty, and creamy textures perfectly for a refreshing treat.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 parfait servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Layer

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

Pretzel Crust Layer

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

Whipped Cream 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

Instructions

Prepare Strawberries: Add the diced strawberries into a bowl and sprinkle them evenly with granulated sugar. Stir gently to coat all pieces. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the fruit to release its natural juices and enhance sweetness.
Make Pretzel Crumbs: Pulse mini pretzels in a food processor just until broken into small chunks—not pulverized—to maintain crunch. Add melted butter and cinnamon, then pulse a few more times to evenly combine the flavors without losing texture.
Whip Cream: Using a stand mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip to avoid turning it into butter. Using a whisk, fold in light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and imitation strawberry extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
Assemble Parfaits: In serving cups, layer a spoonful of whipped cream mixture, followed by a layer of macerated strawberries, then a layer of cinnamon buttered pretzel crumbs. Repeat the layers once more. Finish each parfait with a small dollop of whipped cream, topped with a fresh strawberry slice and a mini pretzel for garnish. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Refrigerating the strawberries with sugar is crucial for releasing their natural juices for added sweetness.
Do not over-process the pretzels; leaving some chunks ensures a satisfying crunch.
Do not overwhip the cream to avoid turning it into butter.
These parfaits should be served immediately to maintain crispness of pretzels.
Substitute mini pretzels with crushed regular pretzels broken into small pieces if needed.

Keywords: strawberry parfait, pretzel dessert, layered dessert, no bake dessert, creamy strawberry salad, easy summer dessert