Name: Blackberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups coarsely crushed pretzels; ⅔ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¾ cup butter, melted; 3 cups fresh blackberries; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 8 ounces extra creamy cool whip; 1 cup powdered sugar

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Introduction

This Blackberry Pretzel Dessert is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors with a crunchy pretzel crust and a creamy filling. Perfect for summer gatherings or a special treat, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

A close-up of a dessert square with three clear layers on a white square plate placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust made of crushed nuts and crumbs, thick and rough in texture. The middle layer is a thick, creamy white filling that is smooth and soft, with slight hints of the berry sauce from the top showing along the edges. The top layer is a glossy, bright dark red berry sauce with whole berries visible, thick and shiny, sprinkled with chopped light brown nuts. In the background, there are hints of green leaves and other dessert squares slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ½ cups coarsely crushed pretzels
⅔ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup butter, melted
3 cups fresh blackberries
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
8 ounces extra creamy Cool Whip
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Crush the pretzels into small pieces using a food processor or by placing them in a large bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the coarsely crushed pretzels, brown sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Stir to mix.
Step 4: Pour the melted butter into the pretzel mixture and stir until fully combined.
Step 5: Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, reserving ½ cup for the topping.
Step 6: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 7: In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well.
Step 8: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 9: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 10: Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until fully combined.
Step 11: Gently fold in the Cool Whip just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 12: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
Step 13: Spoon the cooled blackberry topping over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly.
Step 14: Sprinkle the reserved pretzel mixture over the blackberry layer.
Step 15: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen blackberries if fresh are not available; just thaw and drain excess juice before cooking.
For extra crunch, toast the pretzel crust mixture lightly before baking.
Try substituting raspberries or mixed berries for a different fruity flavor.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the blackberry topping by a tablespoon.

Storage

Keep the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing as the texture of the cream cheese and berries may change.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a layered dessert held by a fork with a woman's hand partially visible. The dessert has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust with a rough texture, the middle layer is a smooth, creamy white filling, and the top layer is a glossy, deep red berry sauce with whole berries and small pieces of chopped nuts sprinkled on top. The background features a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the crust to soften slightly, making it even more delicious.

Can I use a different type of crust?

While the pretzel crust provides a unique salty crunch, you could experiment with graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies if preferred. Just adjust the amount of butter and sugar accordingly for a balanced texture and flavor.