No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups are a fun treat that mixes salty and sweet! They have a crunchy pretzel base topped with creamy filling and fresh raspberries. Yum!
Making these is a breeze! I love how you get that crunchy pretzel with smooth creaminess—talk about a perfect combo. Plus, no baking means fewer dishes to wash! 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These give the cups their base. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, choose certified gluten-free oats. I love using rolled oats for that good chewy texture.
Pretzels: You’ll need crushed pretzels for flavor and crunch. If you prefer a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free pretzels. I sometimes use snack sticks instead for a different crunch!
Nut Butter: Almond butter adds a nice flavor, but peanut butter works perfectly too. For nut-free options, go with sunflower seed butter—just be mindful of allergies!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners add natural sweetness. Maple syrup gives a unique flavor, while honey is a bit sweeter. If you need a vegan option, stick with maple syrup!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes these cups creamy. For a dairy-free version, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative or whipped coconut cream.
How Do You Create the Perfect Pretzel Cup Shape?
Creating the pretzel cup shape is key to this recipe. Here’s a simple step-by-step to perfecting it:
- Mix your ingredients well, aiming for a sticky consistency to hold together.
- Grease your mini muffin tin lightly to prevent sticking.
- Press the mixture firmly into the wells using your fingers or a small tool—be sure to push it up the sides, forming a cup shape.
- Chilling the cups is crucial! Make sure they’re in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up before adding the filling.
These steps ensure you bite into a great mix of crunchy and creamy textures!
How to Make No-Bake Raspberry Pretzel Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pretzels, crushed (plus some whole pretzels for garnish)
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus a pinch for garnish)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Fresh raspberries (about 20, for topping)
- Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and then requires at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the fridge. So, in about 45 minutes total, you can have these delicious treats ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pretzel Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, crushed pretzels, almond butter, honey, and sea salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and the mixture is sticky. This will form the base of your cups.
2. Shape the Cups:
Press this mixture firmly into the wells of a mini muffin tin to create cup shapes. Push the mixture up the sides to form a solid base. Take your time—this step is important for keeping everything together!
3. Chill to Set:
Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cups firm up, so they hold their shape when you fill them.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the cups chill, let’s make the creamy filling! In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious layer on top!
5. Fill the Cups:
Once the pretzel cups are set, remove the muffin tin from the fridge. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture evenly into each cup, filling them right to the top.
6. Add the Fresh Raspberries:
Top each cup with 2-3 fresh raspberries. These little beauties will add a burst of flavor!
7. Drizzle with Chocolate:
For a sweet finishing touch, drizzle some chocolate syrup or melted chocolate over the filled cups. This adds a nice touch of chocolatey goodness!
8. Final Toppings:
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over each cup to bring out all the wonderful flavors. It’s a little touch that makes a big difference!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, you can either serve these right away or pop them back in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy them. These cups are perfect for any gathering or just a sweet treat for yourself!
Enjoy the delightful combination of salty pretzel, creamy filling, and fresh berries—it’s a snack that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Other Nuts or Nut Butters?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter or peanut butter with any nut or seed butter you prefer, such as cashew butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
How Can I Store Leftover Pretzel Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can still be tasty after a few days!
Can I Use Other Fruits as Toppings?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Other berries like strawberries or blueberries would work great, or even bananas or kiwi for a twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you choose!
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pretzel cups and fill them with the cream cheese mixture a day in advance. Just add the fruit and chocolate drizzle right before serving to keep everything fresh!
