Blackberry Pretzel Dessert

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup butter (melted)
• 3 cups fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 8 ounce extra creamy cool whip
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375° and lightly spray a 9x13 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.

2. 2

   --- Pretzel Crust ---

3. 3

   Using a food processor or a large baggie, add pretzels and crush into small pieces.

4. 4

   In a large bow add coarsely crushed pretzels, brown sugar, flour, and vanilla. Stir.

5. 5

   Melt butter and add to the pretzel mixture. Stir to combine.

6. 6

   Spread the pretzel mixture into the prepared baking dish.

7. 7

   Press into an even layer, reserving ½ cup of the pretzel mixture to use for the topping.

8. 8

   Bake for 10 minutes then remove and let cool completely.

9. 9

   --- Blackberry Topping ---

10. 10

    In a medium saucepan, add blackberries, sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch. Stir.

11. 11

    Heat over medium heat until the blackberries have thickened.

12. 12

    Remove from heat and let cool.

13. 13

    --- Cream Cheese Mixture ---

14. 14

    In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

15. 15

    Add powdered sugar and beat until combined.

16. 16

    Next, add the cool whip and mix just until combined.

17. 17

    Once the pretzel crust has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel layer.

18. 18

    Spoon the blackberry filling on top of the cream cheese mixture.

19. 19

    Sprinkle reserved pretzel mixture on top of the blackberry topping.

20. 20

    Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.