Blackberry Pretzel Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blackberry Pretzel Dessert is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious mix of sweet and salty with a rich, creamy texture. The crunchy pretzel crust, made with just a few simple ingredients, creates a perfect foundation for the rich cream cheese filling. The blackberry topping brings a fresh and slightly tart contrast, elevating the dessert’s flavor and adding a beautiful pop of color. This dessert is easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or a simple weekend treat.

Ingredients

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
• 8 ounces extra creamy Cool Whip
• 1 cup powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Pretzel Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, brown sugar, and flour.
3. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing until everything is well combined.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

For the Blackberry Topping:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir gently to combine.
2. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the blackberries start to break down.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature before spreading it over the cream cheese mixture.

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until fully combined and smooth.
3. Gently fold in the Cool Whip, mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.

Assembly:

1. Once the cream cheese layer is spread, top it with the cooled blackberry topping.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the dessert to set and the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 12-16 servings, depending on how large you cut the pieces. The preparation time is around 20 minutes, with an additional 10-15 minutes for the crust to bake. Once assembled, refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to allow it to set, giving you a total time of about 3 hours from start to finish.

Variations

• Different Fruit Toppings: You can replace the blackberries with other berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the dessert before serving.
• Make it Extra Creamy: Add more Cool Whip for a fluffier cream cheese mixture or increase the amount of sugar for a sweeter base.
• Sugar-Free Version: For a lower-sugar option, use sugar substitutes for the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar, along with sugar-free Cool Whip.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store Blackberry Pretzel Dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While the crust may not freeze as well, you can freeze the cream cheese and blackberry topping separately. Assemble and refrigerate once thawed.
• Reheating: This dessert is served cold and should not be reheated. Just take it out of the fridge before serving to allow it to soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I make the crust in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pretzel crust ahead of time and store it in an airtight container once it has cooled. Assemble the dessert the day you plan to serve it.

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Fresh blackberries are best for the topping, but if you use frozen blackberries, be sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture before cooking them with sugar and cornstarch.

Can I substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?

Yes, you can substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream. Be sure to whip the cream until stiff peaks form before folding it into the cream cheese mixture.

How can I make the dessert sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of sugar in both the cream cheese mixture and the blackberry topping.

Can I use a different type of crust?

While the pretzel crust gives a unique flavor and texture, you can experiment with graham cracker crumbs or even shortbread cookies if you prefer.

How do I prevent the cream cheese mixture from being lumpy?

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth, creamy consistency when beating the mixture.

How do I know when the dessert has set?

The dessert is fully set when the cream cheese layer is firm to the touch, and the topping has cooled to room temperature. Refrigerating for at least 2 hours will ensure the dessert is ready to serve.

Can I make this dessert the day before?

Yes, this dessert can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It will actually allow the flavors to meld even more.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Adjust the baking time slightly for the pretzel crust to ensure it’s fully baked.

Conclusion

Blackberry Pretzel Dessert is a crowd-pleasing, flavorful treat that combines the best of salty, sweet, and creamy. With its crunchy pretzel crust, rich cream cheese filling, and fresh blackberry topping, this dessert offers a refreshing balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or as a special treat for friends, this dessert is sure to be a hit every time. Try it out for your next occasion, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in every bite!

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