Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad – A No-Bake Summer Dessert in a Bag
Summer is the perfect time of year for get-togethers and parties for the whole family, so parents are going to need a go-to recipe for all those occasions. Meet your new favorite summer dessert: Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad! This sweet and salty twist on the classic layered treat is served right in a mini pretzel bag, making it ideal for BBQs, pool parties, park picnics, or birthday celebrations. Strawberry pretzel salad in a bag is the ultimate portable dessert. Just grab a spoon and enjoy. It has everything you love about the traditional strawberry pretzel salad but easier, more portable, and most importantly, mess-free.
What Is Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad?
This easy summer dessert recipe is inspired by the classic strawberry pretzel salad, a layered dessert made with a crushed pretzel crust, sweet cream cheese or pudding center, and a fruity strawberry Jell-O topping. But instead of serving it in a dish, this version is built directly in individual mini pretzel bags. It’s dessert’s answer to a walking taco. This walking strawberry pretzel salad is kid-approved, party-perfect, and just plain fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to whip up this easy no-bake dessert:
- 9 bags of Snyder’s pretzels, plus some extra pretzels for topping
- 8 vanilla pudding cups
- 8 strawberry jello cups
- 1 1/2 cups cool whip
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, tops removed and chopped
- Blue sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad (Step-by-Step)
This no-bake summer dessert is quick and easy to make, taking just 20 minutes to prep. The recipe yields eight individual servings, making it the perfect size for small gatherings, picnics, or as a sweet treat for the family.
1. Start by gently crushing the pretzels right inside the bag. Press with your fingers or a rolling pin, being careful not to pop the bag open. You want a mix of textures with some crumbs and some chunks.
2. Carefully open the top of each bag and roll the edges down slightly. Stand them up in a small bowl, cup, or taco holder to keep them stable while layering.
3. Add about ¾ of a vanilla pudding cup on top of the crushed pretzels. This creamy layer helps balance out the saltiness of the pretzels.
4. Next, layer in ¾ of a strawberry Jell-O cup. The fruity flavor pairs perfectly with the pudding and adds a fun, jiggly texture.
5. Drop in four to five small pieces of chopped strawberry. This adds color, freshness, and a juicy bite to each spoonful.
6. Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, pipe a swirl of Cool Whip on top. This adds a soft, sweet finish to the dessert.
7. Sprinkle a few extra strawberry pieces and crushed pretzels on top for a crunchy, colorful garnish. If it’s a 4h of July party, add blue sprinkles for an easy red, white, and blue dessert. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Summer Dessert Recipe
No baking required – When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want is to turn on the oven. This dessert skips the baking altogether, making it perfect for those warm summer days when you want something sweet without breaking a sweat.
Kid-friendly and fun to make – From crushing the pretzels to layering pudding and swirling on whipped cream, every step is simple and hands-on. Kids can assemble their own snack bags, giving them ownership of their treat.
Perfect for summer parties – These mini desserts are a total crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, pool party, picnic, or birthday celebration, walking strawberry pretzel salads are easy to serve, easy to eat, and always a hit.
Zero dishes to wash – Since everything is served right in the snack-size pretzel bags, there’s no need for bowls, plates, or extra utensils. That means less cleanup for you and more time to enjoy the party.
Totally customizable – You can easily swap in different flavors of pudding, Jell-O, or fruit depending on what you have on hand or what your guests love. Try chocolate pudding and raspberries, lemon pudding and blueberries, or sugar-free versions for a lighter twist.
Make It Ahead: Prep Tips for Parties and Events
Want to prep for a party? Here’s how to save time:
- Chop strawberries and portion out pudding and Jell-O cups ahead of time.
- Store all components separately in the fridge.
- Crush pretzels and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
This is a great make-ahead summer dessert when you want to keep things simple but still wow your guests.
Make Dessert More Fun
Whether you’re planning a summer get-together or just want to surprise the kids with a creative treat, this easy summer dessert recipe is a win. It’s playful, easy to make, and totally delicious. Serve it at your next backyard bash or let the kids make their own for a sweet activity they’ll actually want to eat. In terms of kid-friendly desserts, strawberry pretzel salad in a bag is a guaranteed win.
