Blackberry Pretzel Dessert

Name: Blackberry Pretzel Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed pretzels; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip); 1 (6 oz) package blackberry-flavored Jell-O; 2 cups boiling water; 2 cups fresh blackberries (or thawed frozen blackberries); 1/2 cup cold water; 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip); Fresh blackberries (optional, for garnish); Pretzel pieces (optional, for garnish)

Isabella

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Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Blackberry Pretzel Dessert, where the sweet, tangy flavor of blackberries meets the satisfying crunch of pretzels. This dessert combines layers of salty pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a fruity blackberry topping for a treat that’s as delightful as it is unique. Ideal for summer gatherings or any time you’re in the mood for a refreshing dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Pretzel Crust:

2 cups crushed pretzels

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

For the Blackberry Layer:

1 (6 oz) package blackberry-flavored Jell-O

2 cups boiling water

2 cups fresh blackberries (or thawed frozen blackberries)

1/2 cup cold water

For the Topping:

1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Fresh blackberries (optional, for garnish)

Pretzel pieces (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.

Prepare the Pretzel Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, reaching all the edges to prevent leaks. Refrigerate while preparing the next layer.

Create the Blackberry Layer: Dissolve the blackberry-flavored Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water in a medium bowl. Stir in the cold water and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once slightly cooled, fold in the fresh or thawed blackberries. Pour this blackberry mixture carefully over the cream cheese layer.

Chill the Dessert: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours, or until the Jell-O layer has fully set.

Add the Topping: Once the blackberry layer is set, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top. Garnish with fresh blackberries and pretzel pieces, if desired.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this refreshing Blackberry Pretzel Dessert. Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors in every bite!

Serving Tips:

Chill Well: Ensure the dessert is fully chilled and the Jell-O layer is set before serving. This helps the layers stay distinct and makes slicing easier.

Slice with Care: Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. For neat cuts, you might find it helpful to dip the knife in warm water between slices.

Garnish Just Before Serving: If you’re using fresh blackberries and pretzel pieces as garnish, add them just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Serve Cold: This dessert is best served cold. It provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy and sweet layers.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate: Store any leftover Blackberry Pretzel Dessert in the refrigerator. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

Shelf Life: It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this time, the pretzel crust may become soggy.

Freezing (Not Recommended): While the dessert can technically be frozen, it’s not ideal as the texture of the cream cheese layer and Jell-O may change. If you must freeze, do so for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and note that the pretzel crust may lose its crunch.

Prevent Sogginess: To keep the crust from becoming too soft, avoid letting the dessert sit in the refrigerator for too long. If you need to store it for an extended period, consider adding a fresh layer of pretzel pieces on top just before serving to add some crunch.

Related Recipes:

Strawberry Fluff Salad

FAQs:

Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O for this dessert?

Yes, you can substitute the blackberry-flavored Jell-O with other flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Just be sure to adjust the fruit and garnish accordingly to complement the new Jell-O flavor.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Blackberry Pretzel Dessert can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option for parties and gatherings.

Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?

To make this dessert gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels for the crust. Check the labels on all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, as some brands of whipped topping and Jell-O may contain gluten.

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the Jell-O mixture to avoid diluting the dessert.