No-Bake Mandarin Orange Pretzel Parfait

Ingredients 1f6d2
Layer 1: Crunchy Pretzel Base
1 cup crushed pretzels 1f968
½ cup salted butter, melted 1f9c8
2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1f36c
Layer 2: Creamy Cheesecake
8 oz package cream cheese, softened 1f9c0
1 ½ cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip) 1f365
6 tablespoons granulated sugar 1f36c
Layer 3: Mandarin Orange Gelatin
6 oz orange-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O) 1f34a
11 oz can mandarin oranges 1f34a
¾ cup boiling hot water 1f4a7
½ cup cold water + ice ❄️
Instructions ‍
Step 1: Make the Pretzel Base
1️⃣ In a small bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. 2️⃣ 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
3️⃣ In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, whipped topping, and 6 tablespoons of sugar until smooth and creamy. 4️⃣ 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. 5️⃣ Place the cups in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin Layer
6️⃣ Boil ¾ cup of water, then stir in the orange-flavored gelatin until dissolved (about 1 minute). 7️⃣ 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. 8️⃣ Refrigerate the gelatin for 5 minutes to help it set slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Parfaits
9️⃣ Once the gelatin is slightly thickened, pour it over the cheesecake layer in the cups. Top each parfait with mandarin oranges from the can. 1f51f Place the cups in the refrigerator and chill until the gelatin is fully set, about 20 minutes or longer.
Optional: Top with Whipped Cream 1f365
For an extra touch of sweetness, garnish the parfaits with a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Enjoy! 1f389
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!
» MORE:  These little guys are too addictive! We polish off the entire tray, even when I double the recipe!

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