Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Pretzel Parfait

Fall desserts are meant to be cozy, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent. Between the warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and familiar textures, this season is all about foods that make you feel at home. But if you’re looking to go beyond the usual pies and cookies, this recipe has the perfect twist—literally.

The Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Pretzel Parfait layers creamy pumpkin mousse with whipped cream and crumbled Plum Creek cinnamon-sugar soft pretzels for a sweet-and-salty masterpiece. It’s festive enough for a Thanksgiving table yet simple enough for a quiet night in. Each bite captures everything we love about fall: buttery pretzel crunch, smooth pumpkin filling, and the irresistible scent of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

This parfait blends three classic elements—pumpkin spice, creamy texture, and a salty-sweet contrast. The base layer of Plum Creek cinnamon-sugar pretzels adds structure and chew, giving every spoonful satisfying texture that you won’t find in traditional puddings or pies. The pumpkin layer brings that nostalgic flavor we all crave this time of year, while the whipped cream balances everything with lightness.

Even better? It’s an easy make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the mousse and crumble the pretzels in advance, then assemble right before serving for a picture-perfect presentation.

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Pretzel Parfait

This cozy fall dessert layers creamy pumpkin mousse with whipped cream and crumbled Plum Creek cinnamon-sugar soft pretzels for a sweet-and-salty treat.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Pumpkin Mousse Base

• 1 15 oz can pumpkin purée
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese softened
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 pinch salt

Whipped Cream

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tbsp maple syrup optional, for sweetness

Pretzel Layer

• 3 whole Plum Creek cinnamon-sugar soft pretzels lightly toasted and crumbled
• caramel drizzle or crushed pecans optional garnish

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice Plum Creek cinnamon-sugar pretzels into small pieces and toast on a baking sheet for 5–7 minutes until lightly crisp. Cool completely.
2. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Sweeten with maple syrup if desired, then refrigerate.
3. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin purée, cream cheese, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Fold in half of the whipped cream to make a light mousse texture. Reserve the rest for layering.
5. In six small glass jars, layer toasted pretzel crumbs, pumpkin mousse, and whipped cream. Repeat layers and finish with whipped cream on top.
6. Garnish with pretzel crumbs, caramel drizzle, or crushed pecans. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 310mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30g

Notes

For best texture, assemble parfaits just before serving. The mousse and pretzels can be prepped up to a day in advance.

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The Magic of Plum Creek Pretzels in Dessert

What makes this dessert stand out is the Plum Creek pretzel base. Unlike store-bought pretzels that can be dry or overly crunchy, Plum Creek’s cinnamon-sugar pretzels are soft, buttery, and freshly frozen to lock in flavor. When toasted lightly, they develop just the right amount of crunch while staying tender inside.

Their real butter, simple ingredients, and handmade twist bring authenticity that complements the homemade feel of fall desserts. You get that nostalgic bakery-fresh taste without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations to Try

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll find endless ways to customize it.

• Apple Crisp Version: Swap pumpkin purée for sautéed cinnamon apples.
  
• Maple-Pecan Twist: Add chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup between layers.
  
• Mini Dessert Bar: Serve in shot glasses for a crowd-friendly dessert sampler at parties or fall gatherings.
  

You can also make a big trifle version in a clear glass bowl for a stunning Thanksgiving dessert centerpiece.

Why It’s Perfect for Fall

Pumpkin desserts are timeless, but this recipe offers something a little different. It’s lighter than pie, prettier than pudding, and easier to share than cake. The combination of Plum Creek’s chewy, cinnamon-dusted pretzels and the creamy pumpkin base feels like the essence of autumn in a cup—sweet, cozy, and just nostalgic enough to make everyone smile.

Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a church event, or a fall festival, this parfait brings people together over the simple joy of good food made with care.

A Sweet Twist on Tradition

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures fall without all the fuss, the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Pretzel Parfait is the one to make. It’s elegant, easy, and built on the same quality and care that Plum Creek puts into every batch of pretzels.

Stock your freezer with Plum Creek cinnamon-sugar pretzels and keep this recipe handy—you’ll want to make it again and again through the season.

Order soft pretzels online today or find them in a store near you to start crafting your own fall desserts with a soft, chewy twist!