Ingredients 
Layer 1: Crunchy Pretzel Base
1 cup crushed pretzels 
½ cup salted butter, melted 
2 tablespoons granulated sugar 
Layer 2: Creamy Cheesecake
8 oz package cream cheese, softened 
1 ½ cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip) 
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Layer 3: Mandarin Orange Gelatin
6 oz orange-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O) 
11 oz can mandarin oranges
¾ cup boiling hot water 
½ cup cold water + ice 
Instructions 
Step 1: Make the Pretzel Base
In a small bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. 
Press about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of an 8-ounce cup or jar to form the crunchy base.Step 2: Creamy Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, whipped topping, and 6 tablespoons of sugar until smooth and creamy. 
Add about ¼ cup of this cheesecake mixture on top of the pretzel base in each cup. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out to the edges. 
Place the cups in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin Layer
Boil ¾ cup of water, then stir in the orange-flavored gelatin until dissolved (about 1 minute). 
Add ½ cup cold water with ice until the total amount reaches 1 ½ cups. Stir the cold water mixture into the hot gelatin, and continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. You may need to add more ice if it’s not thickening enough. 
Refrigerate the gelatin for 5 minutes to help it set slightly.Step 4: Assemble the Parfaits
Once the gelatin is slightly thickened, pour it over the cheesecake layer in the cups. Top each parfait with mandarin oranges from the can. 
Place the cups in the refrigerator and chill until the gelatin is fully set, about 20 minutes or longer.Optional: Top with Whipped Cream
For an extra touch of sweetness, garnish the parfaits with a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Enjoy! 
These refreshing Mandarin Orange Pretzel Parfaits are the perfect no-bake treat for summer picnics, holidays, or a quick dessert to satisfy your cravings. The combo of salty pretzel crunch, smooth cheesecake, and citrusy orange gelatin will have everyone asking for seconds!