When life gets busy, nothing feels quite as comforting as a sweet escape that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Enter: walking desserts! Recently, a burst of inspiration hit me while I was juggling snack ideas for a spontaneous gathering. I wanted something fun, easy, and utterly delightful perfect for mingling or even just indulging in a quiet moment.
Imagine strolling around with a whimsical treat in hand whether it’s the nostalgic layers of a Strawberry Pretzel Salad, the gooey goodness of S’mores, or the creamy bliss of Banana Pudding. Each bite captures childhood memories while bringing a playful twist to your dessert game. And the best part? You’ll whip these up in just 10 minutes!
So, grab your favorite fun-sized snack bags and let’s create something delicious that will elevate your dessert game while keeping it simple. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful walking desserts that promise smiles all around!
Why will you love Walking Desserts?
Instant Fun: These walking desserts transform the ordinary into the extraordinary with their playful presentation.
Quick Prep: Only 10 minutes required, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Nostalgic Flavors: Each dessert conjures up delightful childhood memories, from creamy banana pudding to indulgent s’mores.
Shareable Delight: Each bag is an individual treat, allowing you to mingle and snack without any fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing Variety: With three different flavors, there’s something for everyone perfect for all taste buds!
Easy Assembly: No baking, just layering delicious ingredients. Ideal for busy home cooks craving something sweet!
Walking Desserts Ingredients
Get ready to create a fun, delightful treat with these essential ingredients!
For the Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Mini pretzels – These crunchy bits add a unique salty-sweet flavor to your walking desserts.
- Vanilla pudding cups – Creamy layers that balance the tartness of the jello and strawberries.
- Strawberry jello cups – A burst of fruity flavor and beautiful color that makes the dessert pop.
- Fresh strawberries – Adds a fresh element and sweetness to enhance the overall flavor.
- Reddiwhip – A light, fluffy topping that perfectly complements the layers of this dessert.
For the S’mores Dessert
- Honey teddy grahams – These adorable, sweet cookies mimic the flavors of classic s’mores.
- Chocolate pudding cups – Rich and creamy, they bring depth to the layered treat.
- Mini marshmallows – For that gooey, fluffy goodness we all love!
- Milk chocolate chips – A decadent touch that elevates your s’mores experience.
For the Banana Pudding Dessert
- Mini Nilla Wafers – These classic cookies add crunch and sweetness, perfect for layering.
- Bananas – Sliced for that creamy texture and natural sweetness that pairs well with vanilla.
- Reddiwhip – Used again to top off this delightful concoction for an airy finish.
Get ready to mix and match these ingredients for a fun, delicious experience with your walking desserts!
How to Make Walking Desserts
- Prepare the Pretzels: Tear or cut open the tops of each bag of mini pretzels. Look for a few pretzels to crush and set aside for garnish if desired.
- Crush the Pretzels: Gently squeeze each bag to lightly crush the pretzels into smaller pieces. Fold the tops down about 1 inch and place the bags upright in a basket or casserole dish.
- Layer Vanilla Pudding: Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding into each bag, dividing one individual cup among two bags of pretzels to create a creamy base.
- Add Strawberry Jello: Next, spoon a layer of strawberry jello into each bag, allowing one individual cup to be divided between two bags.
- Top with Strawberries: Layer a few fresh strawberry slices on top of the jello, followed by a generous squirt of Reddiwhip, a fresh strawberry slice, and sprinkle the crushed pretzels for crunch.
- Prepare the S’mores Base: Tear open or cut the tops of the teddy grahams bags. Similar to before, set aside a couple of grahams for garnish if wanted.
- Crush the Teddy Grahams: Lightly squeeze each bag to crush the teddy grahams into smaller pieces. Fold down the tops about 1 inch and stand them upright in a serving dish.
- Layer Chocolate Pudding: Spoon chocolate pudding into each bag, dividing one individual cup between two bags to ensure everyone has enough rich flavor.
- Add Mini Marshmallows: Divide the mini marshmallows evenly between the bags, placing them atop the chocolate pudding for that gooey magic!
- Sprinkle Chocolate Chips: Next, distribute the milk chocolate chips evenly into each bag, layering them on top of the mini marshmallows, and finish with a few teddy grahams for crunch.
- Prepare the Nilla Wafers: Open or cut the top off the mini Nilla Wafers, removing a cookie or two to save for garnish if you like.
- Crush the Nilla Wafers: Squeeze the bags lightly to crush the Nilla Wafers into smaller pieces. Fold down the tops about 1 inch and stack them upright in a serving dish.
- Layer Vanilla Pudding Again: Spoon vanilla pudding into each bag, dividing another cup among the Nilla Wafers for a creamy layer.
- Add Bananas and Toppings: Place several banana slices atop the vanilla pudding, followed by a layer of whipped cream, a couple more banana slices, and finish off with crushed Nilla Wafers for a delightful texture.
Optional: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Walking Desserts
Layer Wisely: Ensure each layer is evenly distributed to maintain balance in flavor. A good mix of salty and sweet enhances the experience of your walking desserts.
Crush Precautions: Be careful while crushing pretzels and grahams to avoid turning them into dust. You want enjoyable chunks for texture, not powder!
Garnish for Impact: Don’t skip the optional garnishes! Adding small decorative touches like crushed pretzels or extra fruit slices makes your walking desserts visually appealing.
Individual Serving Sizes: Make sure to divide the ingredients properly among the bags to ensure even distribution. This creates a delightful surprise in each bite!
Chill Before Serving: If you have a bit of time, refrigerate the filled bags for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures a refreshing treat!
Customize Flavors: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This flexibility makes walking desserts truly your own!
What to Serve with Walking Desserts?
Looking to create an unforgettable experience alongside your delightful treats? Let these complementary options elevate your gathering!
- Refreshing Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruits add a splash of color and complement the creamy and sweet layers of your walking desserts.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage paired with these sweet treats provides a perfect balance, enhancing the flavors and providing a cozy experience.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: This elegant treat echoes the strawberry elements while providing a luscious chocolate contrast to your fun desserts.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Light, creamy, and indulgent, mini cheesecakes bring an elegant touch and pair well with the textures of your walking creations.
- Ice Cream Floats: The fizzy, nostalgic nature of floats pairs perfectly with the whimsy of walking desserts, delivering joy alongside a sweet treat!
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Serve extra whipped cream on the side for those who want to indulge even more; it enhances every layer of flavor!
- Chocolate Fondue: For a fun interactive element, set up a chocolate fondue station for guests to dip their walking desserts, adding a rich experience to each bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Walking Desserts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the layered components up to 24 hours in advance, giving you freedom during busy days. Simply layer the vanilla pudding, strawberry jello, and fresh strawberry slices into the bags for the Strawberry Pretzel Salad; prepare the chocolate pudding and marshmallows for the S’mores; and layer vanilla pudding with banana slices for the Banana Pudding Dessert. To maintain quality, cover the prepped bags with plastic wrap to keep moisture in and flavors fresh. When ready to serve, simply top with Reddiwhip and any additional garnishes. Enjoy quick, delicious treats without last-minute stress!
How to Store and Freeze Walking Desserts
Room Temperature: These walking desserts can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in sealed bags. Ensure there’s enough air removed to keep the flavors intact.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for walking desserts, as the textures of the ingredients may change, especially the whipped cream and bananas.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy the chocolate pudding layer warm, you can microwave individual bags for about 15 seconds, then enjoy immediately!
Walking Desserts Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful twists on walking desserts!
- Gluten-Free: Replace pretzels with gluten-free pretzel options for a similar crunch without the gluten.
- Fruit Fiesta: Swap in seasonal fruits like blueberries or raspberries to brighten up your layers and add vibrant colors.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a tablespoon of chopped nuts between layers for an added crunch and rich flavor—perfect for nut lovers!
- Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate-covered pretzels instead of regular ones to elevate the sweet-salty experience and make it ultra-indulgent.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based pudding and whipped cream to create a delicious dairy-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
- Coconut Twist: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the banana pudding layer for a tropical vibe that adds both flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a hint of cayenne pepper to your whipped cream for a delightful contrast that will surprise your taste buds!
- Layered Parfaits: Instead of bags, layer ingredients in jars for a beautiful presentation perfect for parties or gatherings—great for those who love aesthetics while enjoying their dessert!
Walking Desserts Recipe FAQs
What type of mini pretzels should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using traditional shaped mini pretzels for a great salty-sweet balance. Look for bags that are sturdy and fresh, avoiding any that have dark spots or appear stale. They should be crunchy and firm to complement the softness of the pudding and cream.
How should I store leftovers of walking desserts?
Great question! Any leftover walking desserts should be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just place the individual bags in a sealed container to keep them fresh. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent sogginess!
Can I freeze walking desserts for later?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing walking desserts. The whipped cream and fresh fruits like bananas may not hold up well in the freezer, changing their texture and taste. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!
What if my pudding doesn’t set properly?
If you’re noticing that the pudding seems too runny, ensure you’re using chilled pudding cups right from the fridge. For added thickness, you can let the pudding cooling a little longer before assembling. If it’s still runny, simply enjoy it as a tasty parfait instead!
Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Very! If you’re making these for guests, it’s key to check for any allergies. The ingredients contain gluten (in pretzels), dairy, and possibly nuts in chocolate products. I suggest using gluten-free pretzels and almond milk-based pudding to accommodate varied dietary needs. Always ask your guests about any specific allergies beforehand.
Can I make walking desserts healthier?
Absolutely! You can swap out regular pudding for sugar-free options and use fresh fruit without any added sugars. For a crunchier texture, consider using whole grain crackers instead of cookies. The more the merrier when it comes to flavor tweaks to fit your lifestyle!
Deliciously Fun Walking Desserts for Your Sweet Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Pretzels: Tear or cut open the tops of each bag of mini pretzels. Set aside a few for garnish.
- Crush the Pretzels: Squeeze the bags lightly to crush the pretzels into smaller pieces.
- Layer Vanilla Pudding: Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding into each bag, dividing cups among two bags.
- Add Strawberry Jello: Spoon a layer of strawberry jello into each bag, dividing cups between two bags.
- Top with Strawberries: Layer fresh strawberry slices on top of the jello, add Reddiwhip, and sprinkle crushed pretzels.
- Prepare the S'mores Base: Open teddy grahams bags. Set aside some for garnish.
- Crush the Teddy Grahams: Squeeze bags to crush grahams into smaller pieces.
- Layer Chocolate Pudding: Spoon chocolate pudding into each bag, dividing cups between bags.
- Add Mini Marshmallows: Evenly distribute mini marshmallows atop chocolate pudding.
- Sprinkle Chocolate Chips: Distribute chocolate chips evenly into each bag and top with teddy grahams.
- Prepare the Nilla Wafers: Open the mini Nilla Wafer bags, saving a couple for garnish.
- Crush the Nilla Wafers: Squeeze bags lightly to crush Nilla Wafers.
- Layer Vanilla Pudding Again: Spoon vanilla pudding into each bag, dividing another cup among wafers.
- Add Bananas and Toppings: Add banana slices atop vanilla pudding, layer with Reddiwhip, and top with crushed Nilla Wafers.