Berry Pretzel Dessert

Berry Pretzel Dessert - An easy dessert with a buttery pretzel crust, a luscious cream cheese layer and fresh strawberries and blueberries topped with whipped cream.

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We're nearing the end of the dog days of summer, and if you’re like me, your oven hasn't gotten much use the last few months. We've been grilling quite a bit, I've been using my air fryer a ton and we've been whipping up lots of no-bake desserts like this one!

This Berry Pretzel Dessert is surprisingly delicious and features a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and a topping of fresh strawberries and blueberries.

HOW TO MAKE BERRY PRETZEL DESSERT

To make this berry pretzel dessert, you'll need:

• Crushed pretzels
• Sugar
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Grated lemon zest
• Whipping cream
• Fresh strawberries and blueberries
• Whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
• Miniature pretzels, for garnish (optional)

Grab all of your ingredients and let's start making this delicious dessert! 

1. In a large bowl, toss pretzels with sugar and melted butter.
2. Press the pretzels into an ungreased 13x9 baking dish. Refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes.
3. While the crust is in the refrigerator, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and grated lemon zest until it’s smooth.
4. In a different bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold it into cream cheese mixture.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the pretzel layer. Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours.

Just before serving, sprinkle strawberries and blueberries on top. 

If desired, top each serving with additional whipped cream and miniature pretzels.

WHAT KIND OF PRETZELS SHOULD I USE?

For this recipe, it doesn’t matter what kind of pretzels you use because you will be crushing them to create a crust for the dessert.

However, if you want to top the berry pretzel dessert with more pretzels, the mini pretzels look the nicest in my opinion. ☺️

WHAT'S THE EASIEST WAY TO SOFTEN CREAM CHEESE?

I typically take my cream cheese out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to soften. If you don't have 30 minutes, you can soften it in the microwave.

For each 8-ounce block of cream cheese, place it completely unwrapped on a microwave safe plate and microwave on high for 15 seconds.

If it still needs softening, continue microwaving in 10 second increments.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE RICOTTA CHEESE WITH SOMETHING ELSE?

If you don’t have ricotta, or just aren’t a fan of it, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.

Cottage cheese is the most recommended substitute, but you could also use goat cheese as well. 

CAN I USE OTHER TYPES OF BERRIES?

For this recipe, we used strawberries and blueberries. You want your berries to be fresh, not frozen! If you choose, you could also use blackberries, raspberries, or any other berries you choose. 

HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?

Since this recipe is made with heavy cream, cream cheese and berries, you will have to store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Be sure to cover your berry pretzel dessert with a lid or plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. It will keep for 3 to 5 days. 

CAN YOU FREEZE PRETZEL DESSERT?

For the best quality, I would not recommend freezing the dessert. Milk products tend to separate when frozen, so your dessert may not taste as good.

HUNGRY FOR MORE DELICIOUS BERRY DESSERTS?

• Fruit Pizza
• Berry Sorbetto
• Berries & Cream Angel Food Cake Dessert
• Raspberry Crumble Bar
• Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
• Very Berry Popsicles
• Cranberry Crumble Bars