When my niece came running into the kitchen, excitement bubbling over, declaring she wanted to create something sweet but easy, I could see the perfect opportunity for a little creative fun. That’s when I recalled the delightful concept of Walking Desserts! This whimsical treat, served right in its own bag, takes me back to my childhood days of outdoor picnics and carefree summer afternoons.
Imagine unwrapping mini pretzels filled with layers of creamy vanilla pudding and strawberries, all topped off with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. Or biting into a simple bag of Nilla Wafers layered with bananas and sweet pudding—each bite transporting you to dessert heaven! These treats are a play on classic favorites that are sure to win hearts at any gathering, from birthday parties to cozy family dinners.
Best of all, they’re incredibly versatile and come together in just 10 minutes, making them the ideal remedy for busy weeknights or last-minute celebrations. Let’s dive into the joyful world of Walking Desserts, where deliciousness meets convenience!
Why Will You Love Walking Desserts?
Easy to Assemble: With just 10 minutes of prep time, these treats are perfect for busy schedules!
Adorable Presentation: Each dessert comes in its own bag, making it a delightful treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Flavor Variety: Featuring flavors like strawberry, chocolate, and banana, there’s a scrumptious option for everyone.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether for parties or family dinners, these Walking Desserts appeal to both kids and adults alike, ensuring they’re a hit with every guest.
No Baking Required: Forget the oven! These sweet treats let you whip up something delightful without any baking stress.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match your favorite flavors and toppings, allowing for endless creativity in every bag!
Walking Desserts Ingredients
A sweet creation to savor on the go!
For the Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Mini Pretzels – A perfect salty counterpart to balance sweet layers.
- Vanilla Pudding Cups – Adds creamy richness to the dessert; feel free to use homemade!
- Strawberry Jello Cups – Provides a fruity and vibrant layer; substitute with raspberry for a twist.
- Fresh Strawberries – A juicy, fresh touch that enhances flavor and texture.
- Reddiwhip – Creamy topping that adds lightness; use homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
For the S’mores Dessert
- Honey Teddy Grahams – The classic graham cracker flavor that tops off the chocolate pudding beautifully.
- Chocolate Pudding Cups – Rich and indulgent, it’s a must-have for any chocolate lover!
- Mini Marshmallows – Adds a fun, chewy texture; replace with fluffed marshmallow if needed.
- Milk Chocolate Chips – Enhance the rich flavor and provide a chocolatey crunch.
For the Banana Pudding Dessert
- Mini Nilla Wafers – Sweet and crunchy; an iconic base for banana pudding!
- Vanilla Pudding Cups – Provides a smooth layer; it can be swapped for coconut pudding for a tropical vibe.
- Bananas – Fresh and sweet; use brown bananas for a caramelized touch.
- Reddiwhip – A refreshing dollop topping; opt for coconut whipped cream for a unique twist.
With these ingredients for your Walking Desserts, you’re well on your way to crafting delicious treats that are as delightful to eat as they are fun to create!
How to Make Walking Desserts
- Prepare the Pretzels: Tear open or cut the tops of each bag of pretzels. For added texture and flair, reserve a couple of pretzels from each bag to crush for garnish if desired.
- Crush the Pretzels: Gently squeeze each bag to crush the pretzels into smaller pieces. Fold down the tops of the bags about 1 inch, creating a cute display, and set them upright in a basket or casserole dish.
- Layer Vanilla Pudding: Spoon a generous layer of vanilla pudding into each bag. Share one individual cup of pudding between two bags of pretzels for the perfect creamy touch!
- Add Strawberry Jello: Spoon a layer of strawberry jello into each bag. Dividing one cup of jello between two bags gives you just enough fruity sweetness without overwhelming the pretzels.
- Top with Strawberries: Layer a few fresh strawberry slices onto the jello layer to add that juicy freshness when tasting.
- Finish with Whipped Cream: Top each bag with a delightful squirt of whipped cream, add a fresh strawberry slice, and sprinkle the reserved crushed pretzels on top for that extra crunch.
- Prepare the S’mores Dessert: Open the packages of Teddy Grahams, reserving a couple of grahams from each bag for garnish if desired.
- Crush the Teddy Grahams: Squeeze each bag gently to crush the Teddy Grahams and fold down the tops about 1 inch. Set the bags upright in a casserole dish to prepare for layering.
- Layer Chocolate Pudding: Spoon a generous layer of chocolate pudding into each bag, dividing one cup of pudding between two bags for a rich, chocolaty base.
- Incorporate Marshmallows: Evenly distribute the mini marshmallows into each bag, placing them right on the chocolate pudding for that classic s’mores flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Divide the milk chocolate chips across the bags, sprinkling them over the marshmallows for an indulgent touch.
- Finish with Teddy Grahams: Top each bag with a couple of Teddy Grahams for that open-fire s’mores experience that everyone loves.
- Prepare the Banana Pudding Dessert: Open the mini Nilla Wafers packages, setting aside a cookie or two for garnish.
- Crush the Nilla Wafers: Squeeze each bag lightly to crush the wafers. Fold down the tops about 1 inch again, and set upright in a serving dish—each bag will now be a sweet sight!
- Layer Vanilla Pudding: Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding into each bag, making sure to divide one cup of pudding between two bags to ensure everyone gets a taste.
- Add Bananas: Place several banana slices atop the vanilla pudding layer; they not only brighten the flavor but also add a satisfying texture.
- Top it Off: Complete with a layer of whipped cream along with a couple more banana slices and sprinkle some crushed Nilla Wafers on top for a delightful crunch.
Optional: Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Walking Desserts Variations
Get ready to personalize your Walking Desserts with these fun and tasty ideas!
- Dairy-Free: Swap out pudding for plant-based versions made from almond or coconut milk for a creamy and delicious treat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels or cookies in place of regular varieties, ensuring everyone can enjoy!
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to any layer for an extra crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Replace vanilla pudding with chocolate or cookies and cream pudding for an indulgent chocolatey delight.
- Berry Bonanza: Mix in different berries like blueberries or raspberries alongside or instead of strawberries for a colorful burst!
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers to add a luscious sweetness that elevates each bite.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a surprising warm spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Frozen Treat: Place the assembled bags in the freezer for a cool dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days—refreshing and fun!
Every bite becomes an adventure with these variations, inviting your culinary creativity to shine through!
Expert Tips for Walking Desserts
- Bag Handling: When squeezing the bags to crush ingredients, avoid excessive pressure to prevent tearing. Just a gentle squeeze will do!
- Layering Balance: For a harmonious flavor, maintain a balance between sweet and salty layers, ensuring the pretzels provide the right contrast.
- Creamy Finish: Always use chilled pudding for a smoother texture and better layering—this helps prevent sogginess in your Walking Desserts!
- Fresh Fruits: Opt for ripe but firm fruits like bananas and strawberries for the best taste and texture. This ensures they hold up nicely when layered.
- Garnish Wisely: Remember to reserve some ingredients for garnish to make your Walking Desserts visually appealing and add contrast to each bite!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Walking Desserts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pudding layers and slice the strawberries up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. The pretzel bags, Teddy Grahams, and Nilla Wafers can be prepped and assembled into bags without adding toppings—simply layer the crushed components inside and hold off on the whipped cream until right before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, just add the whipped cream and fresh fruits for that light, fluffy finish, ensuring these treats remain just as delicious and appealing, even days later!
What to Serve with Walking Desserts?
Create a delightful spread that perfectly complements these sweet bags of joy!
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch and balances the sweetness. Each bite delivers a burst of natural flavor.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These indulgent treats play beautifully with the flavors in the Walking Desserts and are sure to impress any guest.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: Creamy and rich, they offer a contrasting texture to the playful walking desserts while enhancing the dessert experience.
- Sweet Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing beverage brings an inviting touch to any gathering and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
- Milkshakes: Rich and creamy shakes pair wonderfully with the layered flavors, ensuring every spoonful keeps dessert lovers satisfied.
- Coffee or Espresso: The slight bitterness of coffee contrasts nicely with sweet treats, offering a sophisticated finish to your dessert ensemble.
- Ice Cream Bar: An interactive dessert option allows guests to customize their treats, making it a fun and engaging addition to your gathering.
How to Store and Freeze Walking Desserts
Room Temperature: Enjoy these delightful treats right after preparation for the best flavor and texture. They are best consumed immediately.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator, tightly sealed, for up to 2 days. Each bag should have minimal air exposure to prevent sogginess.
Freezer: While not ideal for freezing due to the delicate ingredients, you can try freezing the pudding layers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. This helps preserve freshness.
Reheating: If any leftovers are stored in the fridge, gently rehydrate them with a light squeeze of whipped cream before serving. Enjoy the fresh taste of these Walking Desserts!
Walking Desserts Recipe FAQs
What type of pretzels are best for Walking Desserts?
I recommend using regular mini pretzels for a balanced taste of salty and sweet, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy fillings. If you’re looking for something a bit different, pretzel crisps can also make a great alternative!
How should I store leftover Walking Desserts?
If you have any leftovers, make sure to store them in the refrigerator, tightly sealed in their bags, for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from becoming soggy. Try to ensure each bag has minimal air exposure for the best results!
Can I freeze Walking Desserts for later?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the entire dessert due to the freshness of the ingredients, you can try freezing the pudding layers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to use, just thaw in the fridge overnight and layer with fresh ingredients when serving.
What should I do if the strawberries in my Walking Desserts go bad?
If you notice dark spots developing on your strawberries, it’s best to discard them as it indicates spoilage. Always choose ripe but firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture. If you want an alternative, you can substitute with blueberries or other fruits like peaches!
Are Walking Desserts safe for pets?
Be cautious with any leftovers, as some ingredients may not be suitable for pets. Specifically, keep them away from chocolate and whipped cream, which can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always double-check what’s safe for your furry friends!
Can I customize the flavors in Walking Desserts?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite puddings, fruits, and toppings. For example, using caramel pudding instead of chocolate or adding crushed Oreos for a different twist can lead to delightful variations that everyone will love!
Delicious Walking Desserts: Sweet Treats on the Go
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Pretzels: Tear open or cut the tops of each bag of pretzels. For added texture and flair, reserve a couple of pretzels from each bag to crush for garnish if desired.
- Crush the Pretzels: Gently squeeze each bag to crush the pretzels into smaller pieces. Fold down the tops of the bags about 1 inch, creating a cute display, and set them upright in a basket or casserole dish.
- Layer Vanilla Pudding: Spoon a generous layer of vanilla pudding into each bag. Share one individual cup of pudding between two bags of pretzels for the perfect creamy touch!
- Add Strawberry Jello: Spoon a layer of strawberry jello into each bag. Dividing one cup of jello between two bags gives you just enough fruity sweetness without overwhelming the pretzels.
- Top with Strawberries: Layer a few fresh strawberry slices onto the jello layer to add that juicy freshness when tasting.
- Finish with Whipped Cream: Top each bag with a delightful squirt of whipped cream, add a fresh strawberry slice, and sprinkle the reserved crushed pretzels on top for that extra crunch.
- Prepare the S'mores Dessert: Open the packages of Teddy Grahams, reserving a couple of grahams from each bag for garnish if desired.
- Crush the Teddy Grahams: Squeeze each bag gently to crush the Teddy Grahams and fold down the tops about 1 inch. Set the bags upright in a casserole dish to prepare for layering.
- Layer Chocolate Pudding: Spoon a generous layer of chocolate pudding into each bag, dividing one cup of pudding between two bags for a rich, chocolaty base.
- Incorporate Marshmallows: Evenly distribute the mini marshmallows into each bag, placing them right on the chocolate pudding for that classic s'mores flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Divide the milk chocolate chips across the bags, sprinkling them over the marshmallows for an indulgent touch.
- Finish with Teddy Grahams: Top each bag with a couple of Teddy Grahams for that open-fire s'mores experience that everyone loves.
- Prepare the Banana Pudding Dessert: Open the mini Nilla Wafers packages, setting aside a cookie or two for garnish.
- Crush the Nilla Wafers: Squeeze each bag lightly to crush the wafers. Fold down the tops about 1 inch again, and set upright in a serving dish—each bag will now be a sweet sight!
- Layer Vanilla Pudding: Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding into each bag, making sure to divide one cup of pudding between two bags to ensure everyone gets a taste.
- Add Bananas: Place several banana slices atop the vanilla pudding layer; they not only brighten the flavor but also add a satisfying texture.
- Top it Off: Complete with a layer of whipped cream along with a couple more banana slices and sprinkle some crushed Nilla Wafers on top for a delightful crunch.
- Optional: Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for an extra treat!