Description
This delightful Blackberry Pretzel Dessert combines a crunchy pretzel crust with a creamy cream cheese layer and a luscious blackberry Jell-O topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, this no-bake dessert is chilled to set and garnished with fresh blackberries and pretzel pieces for an irresistible treat that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Blackberry Jell-O Layer
- 1 (6 oz) package blackberry-flavored Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 cups fresh blackberries (or thawed frozen blackberries)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Fresh blackberries (optional, for garnish)
- Pretzel pieces (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove and let it cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping to lighten the mixture. Spread this evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Place in the refrigerator to chill.
- Make Blackberry Jell-O Layer: Dissolve the blackberry-flavored Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring well. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and mix, then allow the mixture to cool slightly. Fold in 2 cups of fresh or thawed blackberries. Pour this blackberry Jell-O mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer evenly. Refrigerate until the Jell-O layer is set, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Add Final Topping and Garnish: Once the blackberry layer is firm, spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping over the surface. Garnish with fresh blackberries and pretzel pieces as desired for added texture and visual appeal. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- You can substitute frozen blackberries if fresh are not available; just thaw before use.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer slightly.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
