When you want to make something familiar...but with a twist, then this Blueberry Pretzel Dessert with Bananas is just the ticket!
I was looking to update a classic when I developed this recipe for Blueberry Banana Pretzel Dessert.
This easy to make fruit, cream cheese, and pretzel bar treat is my riff on the strawberry pretzel dessert that everyone loves. But, this one has a cool new look, and glorious blue color. It looks like a summer day at the beach!
Jump to:
- The ingredient list:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- Can this gelatin dessert be frozen?
- How long can this blueberry pretzel dessert sit outside during the summer?
- Do I have to add bananas to this gelatin dessert?
- What is the best way to make pretzel crumbs for the crust?
- Additional summertime dessert recipes
- Printable Recipe Card
The ingredient list:
**Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned
- Pretzels, crushed
- Granulated Sugar
- Butter, melted
- Cream Cheese softened
- Vanilla Extract
- Milk
- Cool Whip
- Blue Gelatin
- Fresh Blueberries
- Bananas
- Lemon Zest
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- 9 x 13 baking dish
- food processor (optional)
- gallon zip-top bag (for crushing pretzels)
- rolling pin (for crushing pretzels)
- large bowls
- small bowls
- microwave-safe bowls
- whisk
- hand mixer (or stand mixer)
- spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- baking spray
- paring knife
- cutting board
Can this gelatin dessert be frozen?
No!
But it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days if covered well.
How long can this blueberry pretzel dessert sit outside during the summer?
This can sit out for approximately 60 minutes depending on how hot it is outside. After that amount of time, it's wise to refrigerate it again so it firms up.
If the temperatures exceed 90-degrees, don't let it sit out for longer than 30 minutes without refrigerating.
Do I have to add bananas to this gelatin dessert?
No!
By all means, leave them out if you're not a fan. OR double them if you go ape for bananas. Your dessert. Your call.
What is the best way to make pretzel crumbs for the crust?
- You can pulse the pretzels in a food processor.
- You can smash them in a zip-top bag.
- You can roll over them with your car.
- Just seeing if you're paying attention. LOL
Additional summertime dessert recipes
No-Churn Lemon Blueberry Ice Cream is spiked with just a touch of Malibu Rum to keep it rich and creamy. It's the perfect adult treat with just the right amount of tart, and the right amount of sweet.
This Fresh Peach Crostata is similar to biting into a fresh ripe peach except it has a flaky piecrust shell, and it's best served warm and with a fork.
You're going to love how easy and delicious these Apple Pie Wedges are to make...and eat. With store-bought or homemade pie crust, apple pie wedges are utterly delicious!!
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Printable Recipe Card
Blueberry Banana Pretzel Dessert
Ingredients
- FOR THE GELATIN:
- 1 box 6 ounces blue gelatin, made according to package directions. Chill.
- FOR THE PRETZEL CRUST:
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup butter melted
- FOR THE CREAM CHEESE LAYER:
- 12 ounces 1 and ½ blocks cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
- ADDITIONAL GELATIN ADD-INS
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 bananas sliced
Instructions
PREPARE THE GELATIN AND CHILL FOR 30 MINUTES.
TO MAKE THE PRETZEL CRUST:
- Preheat oven to 350-degrees.
- In a large bowl, stir together the pretzel crumbs, melted butter and sugar.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
TO MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE LAYER:
- In a large bowl, blend together the cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, milk, vanilla, lemon zest and whipped topping.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
TO COMPLETE THE GELATIN LAYER:
- Stir the blueberries and sliced bananas into the set gelatin and spoon the mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer in the 9 x 13 dish.
- Return the dessert back to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve chilled.
Nutrition
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Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!!
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's recipe for today's easy blueberry dessert bars as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.
Abigail Raines says
Wow! This is one show-stopping gorgeous summer dessert! Love the freshness from the berries and the contrast with the creamy cheesy base - perfect!
Renée says
Thank you so much, Abigail!
Kris Reinhard says
I made the blueberry pretzel dessert, it was really good. I kept the pretzels in bigger chunks and subbed some graham cracker crumbs for them in the crust to help hold it together. Also chopped the bananas instead of sliced. All that kind of made things a little more chunky and messy, but its dessert, it's funner that way.
Renée says
Love it, Kris! Dessert should always be fun!!