If you're looking for a delightful blend of sweet and salty with a touch of fruity freshness, this Blueberry Almond Pretzel Delight is just the treat for you. It's perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss. Plus, it's a no-fail recipe that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
The base of this dessert is made from crushed pretzels, which provide a satisfying salty crunch. Adding sliced almonds gives a hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the pretzels. Melted unsalted butter binds the crust together and adds a rich flavor. The granulated sugar sweetens the crust just enough to balance the saltiness.
The creamy layer features cream cheese, which offers a tangy creaminess. Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese without grittiness, while vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth. Whipped topping lightens the mixture, making it fluffy and smooth.
The star of the show, fresh blueberries, are folded into blueberry-flavored gelatin. This not only sets the top layer but also infuses it with a burst of berry flavor. Boiling water dissolves the gelatin, and cold water helps it cool down before adding the fruit.
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a colorful presentation, garnish with a few extra blueberries and a sprig of mint.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready to go when your crust is prepped. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed pretzels, 1 cup of sliced almonds, 3/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Stir these together until everything is evenly coated and starts to stick together.
Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. It's your crust, so make sure it's an even layer with no gaps. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 10 minutes. Once it's done, take it out and let it cool completely. This is crucial for when you add the cream cheese layer later on.
While the crust cools, grab a large bowl and beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it's smooth and lump-free. Gently fold in 8 oz of whipped topping until the mixture is even and fluffy.
Spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust. Make sure it reaches every corner and edge, creating a nice thick layer. Set this aside while you work on the fruity top layer.
In a separate bowl, dissolve one package (6 oz) of blueberry-flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until it's fully dissolved, then add 1 cup of cold water to help it cool down. Let this mixture come to room temperature, then gently fold in 2 cups of fresh blueberries.
Carefully pour the blueberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, making sure it's evenly distributed. Place the whole dish in the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is fully set.
Once it's set, slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the compliments!
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