Description

Salted Bliss Blackberry Pretzel Fusion is a delightful sweet and salty dessert featuring a crunchy salted pretzel crust, a creamy vanilla-cream cheese layer, and a luscious homemade blackberry topping. This American-inspired treat balances bold flavors and textures, perfect for berry lovers seeking a unique dessert.

Ingredients

Crust

2 cups crushed salted pretzels
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cream Layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

Blackberry Topping

2 cups fresh blackberries
1/3 cup blackberry jam or preserves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water

Finishing

Flaky sea salt for topping

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Instructions

Prepare the Pretzel Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine crushed salted pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Mix until the pretzels are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, forming a uniform crust. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, then remove and allow it to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Carefully fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is fully combined and light. Spread this cream mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, creating a smooth layer.
Cook the Blackberry Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh blackberries, blackberry jam, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Stir frequently as the mixture heats, cooking until the blackberries soften and the topping thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let the topping cool slightly before using.
Assemble and Chill: Spoon the slightly cooled blackberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer. Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the entire dessert to enhance the sweet and salty flavor balance. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the dessert is fully set and chilled before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting and separation.
Frozen blackberries can substitute fresh ones; thaw completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy topping.
Use flaky sea salt sparingly to avoid overpowering the dessert’s sweetness.