Blackberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe

Introduction

This Blackberry Pretzel Dessert is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and salty flavors with a delightful creamy layer. Easy to prepare and no-bake after the crust, it’s an ideal make-ahead treat for gatherings or a special family dessert.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Crush the pretzels coarsely using a food processor or place them in a large bag and crush with a rolling pin.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, brown sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Stir to mix well.
4. Step 4: Add the melted butter to the pretzel mixture and stir until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, reserving ½ cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the crust down firmly.
6. Step 6: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
7. Step 7: For the blackberry topping, combine the blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine.
8. Step 8: Cook over medium heat until the blackberry mixture thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool.
9. Step 9: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
10. Step 10: Add the powdered sugar and beat until combined.
11. Step 11: Gently fold in the extra creamy cool whip until well mixed.
12. Step 12: Once the crust is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it.
13. Step 13: Spoon the cooled blackberry topping over the cream cheese layer.
14. Step 14: Sprinkle the reserved pretzel mixture over the blackberry layer.
15. Step 15: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen blackberries if fresh are not available; just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts to the pretzel crust or sprinkle on top.
• Substitute cool whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
• Try other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor.

Storage

Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for best texture. No need to reheat; serve chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert actually tastes better after chilling for several hours or overnight as the flavors meld and the layers set firmly.

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Thaw the frozen berries and drain any excess liquid before cooking them to avoid a runny topping.

Blackberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Blackberry Pretzel Dessert is a deliciously layered treat featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a vibrant homemade blackberry topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want to impress with an easy yet impressive no-bake chilled dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pretzel Crust

• 2 ½ cups coarsely crushed pretzels
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup butter, melted

Blackberry Topping

• 3 cups fresh blackberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces extra creamy Cool Whip

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Pretzel Crust: Crush pretzels coarsely using a food processor or place them in a large plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until broken into small pieces but not too fine.
3. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
4. Add Butter: Melt the butter and pour it into the pretzel mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is combined and coated with butter.
5. Form Crust in Pan: Spread the pretzel mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with your hands or a spatula. Reserve ½ cup of the mixture for the topping later.
6. Bake Crust: Bake the crust at 375°F for 10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
7. Make Blackberry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir to mix and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and the blackberries break down slightly.
8. Cool Blackberry Mixture: Remove from heat and let the blackberry topping cool completely.
9. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
10. Add Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
11. Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold or mix in the extra creamy Cool Whip just until combined to keep it light and airy.
12. Assemble Dessert: Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish.
13. Add Blackberry Topping: Spoon the cooled blackberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
14. Add Pretzel Topping: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of pretzel mixture over the blackberry topping for a crunchy finish.
15. Chill: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let layers set and flavors meld.

Notes

• The cream cheese should be at room temperature for easy blending and a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer.
• Fresh blackberries provide the best flavor, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained well.
• Pressing the pretzel crust firmly helps it hold together better after baking.
• You can prepare this dessert a day ahead to save time and enhance the flavors.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzels and flour alternative.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: blackberry dessert, pretzel crust dessert, no bake dessert, layered dessert, creamy blackberry dessert