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Festive 4th of July Monster Trail Mix Dessert Cups

monster trail mix dessert cups - featured image
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A quick and easy no-bake dessert perfect for summer parties, featuring layers of colorful trail mix and a creamy cream cheese layer in portable cups.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • 1 cup mixed nuts, lightly salted (almonds and cashews recommended)
  • 3/4 cup red, white, and blue M&Ms
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional garnishes: 1/2 cup fresh blueberries or strawberries
  • Optional garnishes: red, white, and blue sprinkles

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, beat 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup mini pretzels, 1 cup mixed nuts, 3/4 cup red, white, and blue M&Ms, 1 cup mini marshmallows, and 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Stir gently to mix evenly without breaking pretzels or nuts.
  3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of each dessert cup to act as a base.
  4. Add about 1/3 cup (40 g) of the monster trail mix on top of the cream cheese layer, pressing lightly to create a compact layer.
  5. Repeat layering with another tablespoon of cream cheese mixture followed by another 1/3 cup of trail mix. Add a final thin layer if cup size allows, balancing layers without overfilling.
  6. Optionally, top each cup with fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of red, white, and blue sprinkles.
  7. Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the cream cheese layer to set and flavors to meld.
  8. Serve chilled with small spoons for easy eating.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth texture. Do not overmix cream cheese to avoid watery texture. Layer carefully to keep colorful candies visible. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed the day made to maintain pretzel crunch and marshmallow texture. For gluten-free, substitute pretzels with gluten-free cereal and use dairy-free cream cheese for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: 4th of July dessert, trail mix dessert, summer party dessert, no bake dessert, easy dessert cups, patriotic dessert

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/festive-4th-of-july-monster-trail-mix-dessert-cups-easy-recipe-for-summer-parties/