When the sun sets and the day winds down, I often find myself seeking a little sweetness to brighten the evening. That’s when I turn to my go-to treat: Walking Desserts. Picture this: simple layers of flavor and nostalgia all tucked neatly into individual bags, ready to indulge without the fuss of formalities.
These delightful creations are a nod to childhood, combining crispy pretzels, creamy puddings, and fresh fruit, with a touch of whimsy thanks to s’mores-inspired layers. They’re perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a spontaneous dessert to share with friends. With no baking involved and an assembly time of just 10 minutes, you can whip these up in no time, transforming your evening from mundane to magical.
Join me in exploring this easy yet impressive recipe that promises to wow both kids and adults alike, and take a delightful stroll down dessert lane!
Why will you love Walking Desserts?
Fun and Interactive: These Walking Desserts are perfect for gatherings—everyone can grab their own sweet treat without the mess!
Quick Assembly: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can effortlessly create a delightful dessert bar that impresses.
Nostalgic Flavors: A whimsical blend of childhood favorites—think s’mores, banana pudding, and strawberry jello!
Versatile Options: Mix and match ingredients to cater to tastes; use alternate fruits or toppings for personalized delights.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s a picnic or a party, these treats will be the highlight on any dessert table!
Walking Desserts Ingredients
• A delightful mix of flavors awaits!
For the Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- mini pretzels – Choose these for their salty crunch, providing the perfect contrast to sweet layers.
- vanilla pudding – A creamy base that complements the fruity jello beautifully.
- strawberry jello – Adds a vibrant burst of flavor, making these Walking Desserts truly delightful.
- fresh strawberries – Slice them thin for a refreshing touch that elevates the overall sweetness.
- Reddiwhip – A cloud of whipped cream for topping, bringing a touch of indulgence.
For the S’mores Dessert
- honey teddy grahams – Use these for a sweet and nostalgic addition, mirroring the classic s’mores experience.
- chocolate pudding – Rich and silky, this layer is essential for chocolate lovers.
- mini marshmallows – Toss these in for a delightful chewy texture.
- milk chocolate chips – Sprinkle on top for a melty, chocolatey finish.
For the Banana Pudding Dessert
- mini Nilla Wafers – These iconic cookies add a loved crunch and creaminess to the layers.
- vanilla pudding – Another delicious layer for balancing the fruit flavors.
- bananas – Slice them for a fresh, fruity layer that pairs wonderfully with pudding.
- Reddiwhip – A final fluffy topping to crown this tasty creation!
How to Make Walking Desserts
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Prepare for the Strawberry Pretzel Salad: Tear open the pretzel bags and remove a couple of pretzels to crush for garnish, if desired. This adds an extra crunch to your dessert!
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Crush the Pretzels: Gently squeeze each pretzel bag to break them into smaller pieces. Fold down the tops about 1-inch and set the bags upright in a basket or casserole dish. They’ll support the layers nicely.
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Layer Vanilla Pudding: Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding into each bag, dividing one cup of pudding between two bags. The creamy base is a wonderful start to your Walking Desserts.
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Add Strawberry Jello: Spoon a layer of strawberry jello into each bag, dividing one cup of jello between two bags. The vibrant color and flavor of the jello are essential!
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Top with Strawberries: Layer a few strawberry slices onto the jello layers. Fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness and color!
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Finish with Whipped Cream and Crushed Pretzels: Top with whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, and crushed pretzels. This topping creates a delightful contrast of textures!
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Prepare for the S’mores Dessert: Tear open the packages of Teddy Grahams and remove a few for garnish, if desired. This will enhance the s’mores experience!
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Crush the Teddy Grahams: Lightly squeeze to crush the Teddy Grahams, fold down the tops, and set them upright in a casserole or serving dish. These will form the base of the s’mores layer.
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Layer Chocolate Pudding: Spoon a layer of chocolate pudding into each bag, dividing one cup of pudding between two bags. This rich layer is the heart of your s’mores dessert!
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Add Mini Marshmallows: Divide the mini marshmallows evenly into each bag, placing them on top of the chocolate pudding. They add a delightful chewy texture!
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Sprinkle Chocolate Chips: Divide the milk chocolate chips evenly into each bag, placing them on top of the marshmallows. This will give your desserts a delicious melty finish.
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Top with Teddy Grahams: Place a few Teddy Grahams on each bag. They replicate that iconic s’mores touch we all love!
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Prepare for the Banana Pudding Dessert: Tear open the mini Nilla Wafers and remove one cookie for garnish, if desired. This touch adds additional flavor and a nice look.
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Crush the Nilla Wafers: Squeeze the bags to crush the Nilla Wafers, fold down the tops, and set them upright in a casserole or serving dish. They’re the foundation for the banana pudding layer.
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Layer Vanilla Pudding Again: Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding into each bag, dividing one cup of pudding between two bags. This helps to balance all the flavors!
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Add Banana Slices: Add several banana slices on top of the vanilla pudding. The sweet bananas are a perfect match for the creamy layers.
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Top with Whipped Cream and Nilla Wafers: Finish with a layer of whipped cream, additional banana slices, and crushed Nilla Wafers. This adds a lovely finish to your attractive dessert bags!
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra special touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Walking Desserts Variations
Let your creativity run wild and customize your Walking Desserts with these delightful twists!
- Vegan Option: Substitute dairy pudding with almond or coconut-based pudding for a plant-based treat everyone can enjoy.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels and Nilla Wafers to ensure those with dietary restrictions can indulge without worry.
- Fruity Flare: Swap out strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or mango for an exciting burst of different flavors and textures.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds between the layers for extra crunch and flavor depth.
- Decadent Chocolate: Layer chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies instead of Teddy Grahams for a double chocolate delight.
- Tropical Twist: Incorporate pineapple slices or coconut flakes into the banana pudding layer for a refreshing tropical vibe.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon into your layers for a surprising heat that elevates the sweet flavors.
- Cheesecake Charm: Use cheesecake pudding instead of vanilla for a rich, creamy surprise that pairs beautifully with most fruits.
How to Store and Freeze Walking Desserts
Room Temperature: These Walking Desserts are best enjoyed fresh but can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours during events.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in the fridge, tightly sealed, for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and prevent them from getting soggy.
Freezer: For long-term storage, you can freeze the individual components (puddings and fruit) separately but avoid freezing the entire assembled dessert as textures will change.
Reheating: If stored in the fridge, simply enjoy as is. No reheating is necessary for these delightful treats!
Tips for the Best Walking Desserts
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all your fruits and dairy are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your Walking Desserts.
Layer Wisely: Layering is key—start with the heavier layers at the bottom to avoid soggy pretzels or wafers.
Crush with Care: When crushing items like pretzels or Nilla Wafers, aim for small, even pieces to maintain a consistent texture throughout.
Watch the Whipped Cream: Add whipped cream just before serving to keep it from wilting and ensure a beautiful presentation.
Mix and Match: Feel free to swap ingredients based on preferences; experiment with different puddings or fruits for personalized Walking Desserts!
Make Ahead Options
These Walking Desserts are a fantastic option for meal prep, perfect for busy cooks looking to save time. You can assemble all the pudding, jello, and fruit layers up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator, making it easy to whip them out whenever you need a delightful treat. Just prepare the individual dessert bags without the whipped cream and toppings, which should be added just before serving for optimal freshness and presentation. This way, you can maintain the delightful textures and flavors that make these Walking Desserts such a hit at gatherings; they’ll be just as delicious as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Walking Desserts?
Create a delightful party atmosphere with these fun pairings that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy layers of walking desserts. Consider melons, kiwis, and oranges for a colorful splash!
- Crispy Lemonade Cookies: These zesty cookies add a zingy twist, balancing the sweetness of the desserts with a bright citrus note. Perfect for a sweet yet tangy pairing.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Indulge in the classic combination of chocolate and strawberries, echoing the flavors in the walking desserts while adding a touch of elegance.
- Mini Chocolate S’mores: Serve up the classic campfire treat while sticking to the s’mores theme—these mini versions bring that nostalgic taste to the forefront!
- Creamy Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream offers a soft, cold contrast, enhancing the overall dessert experience. Mix and match the flavors as you please!
- Sparkling Water with Fruit Garnishes: Keep it light and elegant with fruity-infused sparkling water. It’s a refreshing complement that cleanses the palate between sweet bites.
Walking Desserts Recipe FAQs
What type of pretzels should I use for my Walking Desserts?
I recommend using mini pretzels as they provide the ideal crunchy texture and salty contrast to the sweet layers of pudding and fruit. If you prefer a different flavor, look for other small, crunchy pretzels, but avoid the soft varieties.
How do I store leftovers from my Walking Desserts?
To store any leftovers, place them in the refrigerator, tightly sealed in a container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure to consume them before they become soggy. If you have fruits in them, it’s best to eat them sooner!
Can I freeze Walking Desserts?
While it’s best not to freeze the assembled Walking Desserts due to texture changes, you can freeze the pudding and fruits separately. To do this, pour the puddings into airtight containers or freezer bags and label them. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before assembling.
What are the potential issues I might encounter while making my Walking Desserts?
One common issue is softening of the pretzels or Nilla Wafers if they sit too long. To prevent this, assemble your desserts shortly before serving. Additionally, if your fruit is overly ripe, it may become mushy. Look for firm strawberries and bananas for the best results!
Are there any dietary considerations for Walking Desserts?
Absolutely! Be sure to check for allergies, especially with the pudding and whipped cream, which often contain dairy. For a dairy-free version, use vegan puddings and whipped toppings. If these treats are for kids or pets, remember to supervise as small items like mini marshmallows and chocolate chips can pose choking hazards.
Irresistible Walking Desserts for a Fun Sweet Treat Adventure
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare for the Strawberry Pretzel Salad by tearing open the pretzel bags and removing a few to crush for garnish.
- Crush the pretzels by gently squeezing each bag. Fold down the tops and set the bags upright.
- Layer vanilla pudding into each bag, dividing one cup of pudding between two bags.
- Add strawberry jello into each bag, dividing one cup of jello between two bags.
- Top with fresh strawberry slices.
- Finish with whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, and crushed pretzels.
- Prepare for the S'mores Dessert by tearing open Teddy Graham packages and removing a few for garnish.
- Crush the Teddy Grahams, fold down the tops, and set them upright.
- Layer chocolate pudding into each bag, dividing one cup of pudding between two bags.
- Add mini marshmallows evenly in each bag.
- Sprinkle milk chocolate chips on top of the marshmallows.
- Top with a few Teddy Grahams.
- Prepare the mini Nilla Wafers by tearing open the bag and removing one for garnish.
- Crush the Nilla Wafers, fold down the tops, and set them upright.
- Layer vanilla pudding into each bag, dividing one cup of pudding between two bags.
- Add banana slices on top of the vanilla pudding.
- Top with whipped cream, additional banana slices, and crushed Nilla Wafers.