Irresistible Allergy-Friendly No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Bites (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Top 8 Allergen Free!)

Searching for a delightful dessert that’s effortlessly simple and caters to common food allergies? Look no further! These adorable, snackable No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Bites are your answer. Crafted from readily available, store-bought ingredients, this treat comes together in mere minutes. Forget the oven and the stress of complex recipes – simply assemble, dip in rich chocolate, and let them set. The only challenging part will be patiently waiting for that chocolate to firm up! Perfect for festive occasions or just a sweet craving, this recipe is a holiday lifesaver and completely free of gluten, dairy, egg, peanuts, and tree nuts, making it a wonderful vegan option too.

As the holiday season rolls in, is anyone else feeling a bit “baked out”? I’ve certainly done my share of holiday baking, and while the spirit of giving through delicious treats is strong, my energy for intricate recipes is starting to wane. Yet, the sweet cravings? Those haven’t stopped! That’s precisely where these beautiful, hassle-free pretzel bites come to the rescue, offering a perfect blend of indulgence and ease.

My personal love for the classic salty and sweet combination inspired this creation. We often find ourselves snacking on gluten-free pretzels, and the idea of transforming them into a decadent dessert was simply too good to resist. This recipe truly embodies everything I adore in a treat: the richness of chocolate, the soft chewiness of marshmallows, and that irresistible salty crunch. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that hits all the right notes.

What makes these pretzel bites truly exceptional is their absolute simplicity. They require ZERO BAKING. Every single ingredient is store-bought, meaning there’s virtually no prep work involved. The most “cooking” you’ll do is melting some chocolate chips in the microwave, which hardly counts! This convenience makes them an ideal choice for busy schedules, unexpected guests, or when you just need a quick, satisfying dessert without the fuss.

These treats are so simple, even the little ones can lend a hand! I had my two-year-old proudly assist me with spreading the SunButter on top of the pretzels and carefully placing the marshmallow halves. It was a wonderful, fun activity that kept him engaged and feeling like a true chef. Getting kids involved in the kitchen (especially for no-bake recipes like this one) is a fantastic way to create cherished memories and spark an early love for cooking.

Below, you’ll find a visual of most of the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t forget the shortening – while it might not be the prettiest ingredient for a photo op, it plays a crucial role in giving the melted chocolate that perfect, smooth, and dippable consistency we’re looking for.

As Christmas draws nearer and time becomes an increasingly precious commodity, this recipe will be your go-to solution. Those last-minute neighbor treats or hostess gifts can often add a layer of stress to an already busy season. This recipe eliminates that worry entirely. I often find myself planning out who I need to give treats to, only to inevitably forget someone until all my carefully crafted goodies have been given away! These pretzel bites are quick enough to whip up on the fly, ensuring no one feels left out and your holiday spirit remains intact.

And don’t just take my word for it! I recently had a friend over who doesn’t have any food allergies – she eats “regular” food, as we often say. She absolutely raved about these pretzel bites! That’s truly when you know you’ve got a winner on your hands – a recipe that’s not only safe and inclusive for those with allergies but also genuinely delicious and enjoyed by everyone.

While they are absolutely perfect for a festive holiday treat, these no-bake wonders would be a fantastic, easy party snack any time of year. If you want to lean into the seasonal spirit, simply sprinkle some colorful Christmas sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets. This small touch instantly adds extra holiday cheer and makes them even more appealing.

My kids, with their wonderful imaginations, have affectionately started calling them “chocolate cookies.” They love how handheld and portable they are, just like their favorite cookies. Whatever you decide to call them – be it pretzel bites, chocolate cookies, or simply “yumms” – one bite is all it takes to agree on their deliciousness!

If you appreciate a visual guide, here’s a step-by-step picture sequence of the assembly. You’ll quickly see just how incredibly easy this process is. No fancy equipment or culinary skills required!

And, voilà! Just like that, you have a tray full of cute, satisfying, and allergy-friendly desserts, made in mere minutes. The simplicity is truly astounding, and the result is a treat that brings joy to everyone.

My heartfelt wish is that these No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Bites bring smiles to your family, friends, and neighbors this season. They’re not just delicious; they’re a symbol of inclusion, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of holiday treats, regardless of dietary restrictions. Enjoy the sweetness, the crunch, and the knowledge that you’ve created something wonderful and welcoming!

For a quick visual demonstration of this recipe, along with some fantastic allergy-friendly stocking stuffer ideas, be sure to check out this segment I did for Fox TV. Simply click on the photo below to launch the Facebook video and get inspired for a safe and joyful holiday season!

Explore More Allergy-Friendly Christmas Recipes!

Yes, absolutely! Creating delicious, yet safe and inclusive food for holiday parties and gatherings is a passion of mine. All of the recipes I share are carefully crafted to be dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free. What’s more, they are also all gluten-free, ensuring that even more people can enjoy them without worry. If gluten isn’t a concern for you, these recipes can often be adapted by simply swapping back in regular flour at a 1:1 ratio and omitting any xanthan gum if specified. Dive into this extensive list for even more delightful and worry-free holiday treats!

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix: A comforting, warm beverage perfect for chilly evenings, free of dairy and common allergens.
Festive Reindeer Rice Krispies: A fun, edible craft that kids will adore making and eating, all allergy-friendly.
Eggnog Cupcakes with Eggnog Frosting: Enjoy the quintessential holiday flavor in a cupcake form, made without eggs or dairy.
Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: A classic cookie with a holiday twist, bursting with cherry and chocolate goodness.
Maple Cookies with Maple Glaze: Sweet and soft cookies featuring the rich, inviting flavor of maple, drizzled with a delicious glaze.
Soft, Roll Out Sugar Cookies: The perfect canvas for holiday decorating, these sugar cookies are tender and easy to make.
Zesty Chocolate Orange Cookies: A delightful combination of rich chocolate and bright orange, a sophisticated twist on a classic.
Whimsical Rice Krispie Christmas Trees: Another fun Rice Krispie treat, shaped into festive trees for a charming holiday display.
No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Bites: (The recipe you’re currently enjoying!)
Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies: Festive and fudgy, these cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream with a hint of peppermint.
Creamy Dairy-Free Fudge: A decadent, smooth fudge that’s surprisingly easy to make and completely dairy-free.
Refreshing Dairy-Free Peppermint Patties: Cool and minty, these homemade patties are a delightful holiday confection.
Homemade Allergy-Friendly Oreos: Recreate your favorite sandwich cookie at home, safe for multiple allergies.
Colorful Christmas Rice Krispie Roll: A unique and festive take on Rice Krispie treats, perfect for slicing and sharing.
White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Cookies: A visually stunning and delicious cookie, combining chocolate, peppermint, and a smooth white chocolate dip.
Cool & Creamy Peppermint Pie: A refreshing, no-bake pie that’s a perfect ending to any holiday meal, gluten and dairy-free.
Slow Cooker Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate: Prepare a large batch of rich, dairy-free hot chocolate effortlessly in your crock pot for gatherings.

Allergy-Friendly No Bake Chocolate Pretzel Bites (Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut & tree nut free; top 8 free; vegan)

Yield:
30

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Additional Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

This adorable, snackable dessert couldn’t get any easier. No bake and store bought ingredients help this treat come together within minutes. Simply assemble and dip in chocolate. The hardest part will be waiting for the chocolate to harden. This festive holiday treat is free of: gluten, dairy, egg, peanut and tree nuts; and is vegan too!

Ingredients

1 bag of gluten-free pretzels
2 cups of vegan chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons dairy-free, soy-free shortening
1 bag of large marshmallows, with each one cut in half (be sure you’re using vegan marshmallows, if you need it to be vegan)
1 jar of creamy SunButter (or any nut or seed butter you can have)
Sprinkles, optional*

Instructions

Take a pretzel and smear a small amount of SunButter on top of it. Take one of the large marshmallows that are cut in half and place it, sticky side down, on top of the SunButter.
Once all of those are assembled, melt your chocolate. Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute at a time, until everything is melted and easily stirred.
Drop one pretzel bite at a time into the melted chocolate, carefully coating each side. Gently lift it out of the chocolate, knocking off any excess chocolate. Set the wet pretzel bite on some wax paper until it sets up. While it’s still wet, place some sprinkles on top.
Allow them to harden (this can be done faster if you want to place it in the fridge).
Enjoy–these may be kept out at room temperature, uncovered if you wish.
(Also, this can be doubled to make as many as you want. I just made as many as we needed and stopped once we got there, but feel free to use up the entire bags of ingredients.)

Notes

*The sprinkles I link to have soy lecithin, which our allergist says is OK for those with soy allergies. PLEASE follow your own allergist’s instructions.

“Studies show that most people with soy allergy can safely eat highly refined soy oil as well as soy lecithin. If you are allergic to soy, ask your doctor whether you need to avoid soy oil or soy lecithin. But avoid cold-pressed, expelled or extruded soy oil—sometimes called gourmet oils.” SOURCE: https://www.foodallergy.org/common-allergens/soy-allergy

Most sprinkles I find have some variation of soy. If you need a totally soy free option, sanding sugar is always a good idea, and you could get it in Christmas colors; or simply omit.

If you find Christmas sprinkles that are top-8-free, please comment and link them below.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 30
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 71Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g

Allergy-Friendly Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Pretzel Bites: Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut, & Tree Nut Free