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Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad (+Video)

When it comes to easy, fun and unique treats, this Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a hand-held version of the classic potluck dessert!

A TASTY HAND-HELD DESSERT

If you love Strawberry Pretzel Salad, then I know you are absolutely going to adore this Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe. I don’t know why we call these things ‘salad’. Maybe because it’s just a mix of ingredients? With individual bags of pretzels, cheesecake pudding, strawberry pie filling and whipped topping this is such a fun and easy dessert that everyone can walk around with and the cleanup is a breeze! If you plan on having a party or just a gathering and are looking for something fun and unique that each guest can assemble then you have to try this Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe!

Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad packages in white dish

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What kind of pudding should I use?

I found that cheesecake pudding in this recipe blends well with the other flavors; however, If you can’t find cheesecake or are not a fan you can substitute with French vanilla.

Will the bags hold up well?

The bags are the perfect way to serve this treat. They do hold up very well and it makes cleanup so easy. Guests can just toss their bags in the trash when they are finished!

Can I make my own homemade whipped cream?

You can! You can make this recipe as complex or as simple as you would like! You can also use Reddi-Wip from a can. To make your own homemade whipped cream, you will need ½ cup heavy cream and 2 Tbsp powdered sugar. Add these to a bowl and beat until soft peaks form.
You can even make your own homemade pudding if you’d like!

Can I use other pie fillings?

Of course! This is your dessert to do with what you will. Traditional Strawberry Pretzel Salad obviously has a strawberry topping but you could certainly set out a variety of pie toppings for guests to serve themselves and add what they prefer.

Will the pretzels get soggy?

This is meant to be eaten right away after assembling if you want a crunchier pretzel base. The pretzels will get softer after you assemble. Some folks prefer a softer pretzel base so it’s really up to you .

Hand holding up a bag of Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad showing filling, whipped topping, and pretzels Pinterest image

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

  • instant cheesecake pudding mix – if you can’t find cheesecake flavor, just go with vanilla
  • milk – I like to use 2% or higher here for the creamiest pudding
  • mini pretzel bags – if you can’t find the bags, just crush up some pretzels and put them in individual disposable cups
  • strawberry pie filling – if you want to switch this up you could use cherry or other flavored pie fillings
  • Cool Whip whipped topping – if you’ve never purchase Cool Whip before, you buy it frozen (in the freezer section) and it has to be thawed before using so put it in the fridgethe evening before you need to use it
Ingredients needed: instant cheesecake pudding mix, milk, mini pretzel bags, strawberry pie filling and cool whip

HOW TO MAKE WALKING STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD:

Place the pudding mix and the cold milk in a large bowl.

Milk and pudding in large clear bowl.

Whisk together for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to set.

Cheesecake pudding being whisked together.

While the pudding sets, gently crush up the pretzels in the bottom of each bag before opening. This step is optional but I find this easier to eat if the pretzels are a little crushed first. Snip off the tops of the pretzel bags and roll down the bags on top. Place them in a serving tray or a large casserole dish that will help keep the bags propped up.

Open bags of mini pretzels in white container.

Evenly distribute the pudding among the bags. 

Pudding added to bags of pretzels in white dish.

Evenly distribute the strawberry pie filling among the bags.

Strawberry pie filling added to bags of pretzels in white dish.

Then top with the whipped topping. 

Whipped topping added to pretzels in white dish.

Garnish with the crushed pretzels and serve!

Crushed pretzels topping the whipped topping.

Make sure you have spoons on hand for your guests. Enjoy!

Spoon scooping out some of the Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad out of bag.

CRAVING MORE RECIPES?

Square image of hand holding one bag of Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe showing ingredients poking out of top.

Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad

When it comes to easy, fun and unique treats, this Walking Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a hand-held version of the classic potluck dessert!
5 from 33 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 3.4 ounce package instant cheesecake pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 12 (1 ounce) bags mini pretzels
  • 21 ounce can strawberry pie filling
  • 1 cup frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
  • 2 Tbsp crushed pretzels, for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Place the pudding mix and the cold milk in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to set.
  • While the pudding sets, gently crush up the pretzels in the bottom of each bag before opening. This step is optional but I find this easier to eat if the pretzels are a little crushed first.
  • Snip off the tops of the pretzel bags and roll down the bags on top. Place them on a serving tray or in a large casserole dish so the bags can be propped up.
  • Evenly distribute the pudding among the bags.
  • Evenly distribute the strawberry pie filling among the bags.
  • Then top with the whipped topping.
  • Garnish with the crushed pretzels and serve! Make sure you have spoons on hand for your guests.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Make sure to get the instant pudding – not ‘Cook & Serve’ or it won’t set up.
  • If you are not a fan of cheesecake pudding you can use vanilla.
  • Use different pie fillings to change this up a bit.
  • Do not assemble too far in advance unless you want a softer pretzel base. 
  • For a fun activity, let guests assemble these themselves. Just put out all the ingredients and serve with spoons. 
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 536mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My friend made these for work but Instead of pie filling she used fresh strawberries and made little strawberry jello cups. A little more work but closer to the real deal.