Description
This Lemon Blackberry Dessert is the ultimate summer treat, combining sweet, tangy, and salty flavors in every bite. It features a buttery pretzel crust, a luscious cream cheese lemonade pie filling, and a fresh blackberry topping, finished with a sprinkle of crunchy pretzel crumble. The mix of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures makes this dessert simply irresistible for warm-weather gatherings or any time you’re craving a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pretzel Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
Lemon Filling:
- 5 ounces evaporated milk
- 3.4 ounces instant lemon pudding and pie filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup frozen lemonade concentrate
Blackberry Topping:
- 3 cups blackberries, divided
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 7 tablespoons water, divided
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 7×11 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Crush the pretzels using a food processor or by placing them in a resealable bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- In a large bowl, mix crushed pretzels, brown sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- Melt the butter and add it to the mixture, stirring until combined.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish, reserving ½ cup for topping.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together evaporated milk and instant lemon pudding mix until smooth and thickened.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add lemonade concentrate and mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the lemon pudding mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the lemon filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
3. Prepare the Blackberry Topping:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add 2 cups of blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and 5 tablespoons of water. Stir occasionally until the blackberries break down.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
- Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the blackberry sauce, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup of blackberries for texture.
- Let the topping cool slightly, then spread over the lemon filling.
4. Assemble & Chill:
- Sprinkle the reserved pretzel crust mixture over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to set.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
- This dessert is best served cold after chilling for a few hours.
- For a twist, try substituting raspberries or blueberries for the blackberry topping.
- If you prefer a sweeter crust, mix in an additional tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Use fresh or frozen blackberries—if using frozen, thaw and drain before cooking.