Patriotic Brownie with a Pretzel Crust is my only patriotic creation I am making for this holiday. I love making simple and easy every day desserts look so special. And if I can make the dish even a bit healthier than normal I call it a bonus! If you are pressed for time or ingredients you can always use your favorite box brownie mix and a ready made chocolate and caramel topping. The added fresh fruit is what makes this super yummy dessert a delightful presentation for any get together of family, a night with the girls, or just a quiet after dinner treat with your family. Everyone that tried this loved the taste. If you make it please share it and your experiences in the comments below. How would you change it to reflect your style?
Patriotic Brownie with a Pretzel Crust
Ingredients
Pretzel crust:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Dark chocolate brownie:
- 7 ounces unsweetened chocolate coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish:
- 3 oz chocolate
- 10 caramel pieces
- 1 qt blueberries
- 1 qt strawberries circular slices
- 12 mint leaves
Instructions
To make pretzel crust:
- Stir together pretzels, the 1/2 cup flour, the brown sugar, and baking soda.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup melted butter.
- Pat mixture into the bottom of an 11x7x1-1/2-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 minutes.
To make the brownie:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Lightly grease a 9-inch square by 2-inch deep baking pan; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine chocolate, butter, and the water.
- Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to chocolate mixture; beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and cinnamon. Beat on low speed until combined. Spread batter in prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Sprinkle with cocoa powder and/or powdered sugar.
Garnish:
- Melt 2-3 oz of chocolate and 10-13 caramel candy pieces; then place each in a Ziploc bag and snip off one corner. Drizzle caramel on top of cooled brownie and ice cream followed by chocolate and caramel.
- Add blueberries and strawberries and a sprig of mint.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.
Conversion Information We get a lot of requests to help with conversions especially between various countries like Canada, the U.K. and Australia. These tables should help you make those conversions. For your convenience we have included a Conversion Chart.
Disclaimer Unless indicated recipes influenced by cookbooks, magazines or family traditions.
I am Marilyn Lesniak. Writer, Photographer and Chief Bottle Washer behind the scenes at Marilyn's Treats. Follow me to my kitchen. 
We just made brownies yesterday and it’s a family favorite dessert. Adding a pretzel crust and fresh fruit would be perfect for a special July 4th dessert.
Thank you Erlene. It is always special to dress up our favorites. Enjoy your week!
Yummy, this looks amazing. I could just eat this 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Creative Mondays a few week’s ago. Have a lovely Sunday and I hope you can join us tomorrow.
Thank you Claire for allowing me to share at your party. I am happy you found this interesting! Enjoy your week!
This looks like an amazing dessert and I love have pretty and patriotic it is!
– Nancy
Thank you Nancy. I have 2-3 really super food photos and I like to think this is one. Have an awesome weekend!
What a fabulous collection of flavours and textures in these wonderful brownies, Marilyn! Just reading the recipe makes my mouth water! Sharing on the Hearth and Soul Link Party Facebook page. Thank you so much for your support of Hearth and Soul. Have a lovely day!
Thank you April! This is one of my proud and joy presentations. They are usually boring. Thank you for sharing. Have an awesome week!
Wow, Marilyn! This looks like a treat indeed! I love your presentation of the brownie, too. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing at Tuesday Turn About!
Thank you Crissy! This dessert was meant to be. Brownies, ice cream and fruit is my downfall. I am glad you also enjoy the recipe. Come party with us! Have an awesome week!
I’m Canadian but that doesn’t stop me from drooling over this recipe, Marilyn. Have bookmarked and shared and will try as soon as it cools down and I can turn on the oven without then having to turn on the central air. lol
Thank you and hope this weekend treats you kindly. Dropped by today from the astonishingly fantastic #BloggersPitStop but always always glad to be here, no matter the reason. 🙂
Thank you for coming and leaving a comment! I am glad you like the brownie. I have an old stove in the basement and use that to bake in the summer. It also helps to have the food cook well and not burn. Have a great weekend!
TFS with #omhgww
Thank you Clearissa! Have an awesome weekend!
This looks so very yummy!!!!
Thank you Clearissa for the comment and visit. Have an awesome weekend!
This looks beautiful! I’m really excited about the pretzel crust. I’m going to have to try this out. Thank you!!!
Thank you! That pretzel crust was a nice touch. Enjoy! Have an awesome day!
Chocolate and pretzels…my two major food groups!!!
Don’t forget cheese! You are my kind of dessert partner. Have a great week!
The pretzel crust sounds like a yummy addition! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann. It added the salty touch need for the chocolate. Enjoy the week!
This recipe has chocolate, ice cream and strawberries – just a few of my favorite things. Thanks for sharing a delicious looking recipe with us at #HomeMattersParty
I am so glad it appeals to you Donna. I love your blog and am thrilled to see you here! Enjhoy your week.
Marilyn, this Brownie looks amazing! Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
I was surpised my little iPhone captured this brownie so well. No editing required! Have a great week.
Red, white, and blue and chocolate brownie fun! Yumm. Thanks for sharing with us at #LiveLifeWell
Thank you for allowing me to share with you Jessica. Enjoy your weekend.
Judging by the number of comments, this looks as yummy to others as it does to me. I love the salty-sweet combo.
Thanks Donna. I love this little brownie. I spiffed it up for the holiday last year! Have a great week.
Ohhh, you had me at pretzel crust! Sounds so good!
Thank you Jenna! Have a great week.
Sounds really delicious Marilyn! Just wondering how I could convert this to gluten & lactose free…
Remember you’re most welcome to drop by for a cup of inspiration!
Jennifer
I don’t know how to convert but I am sure you can google the substitutions. Thanks for coming. I will go look at the link you left! Have a great week.
This one has winner written all over it! Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great week and a Happy Holiday.
Thanks Sandra. This is one of my best images. I was so surprised it came out!! I took it from the table on my iphone. Who would believe it?? Thanks for having the party and letting me share. Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing your creative recipes with #CookBlogShare, Marilyn!
You are welcome Monika. Thanks for having me!
Yes, please. Looks amazing 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays 🙂 Hope you can join us today.
I am glad you like this. I was surprised how nice a little old brownie could be dressed up! Enjoy your week.
What a great looking dessert! How fun you added a pretzel crust! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
The pretzel crust was an after thought. I like how it made the brownie salty. I will definitely make this again. But maybe not as fancy. I like food you can hold. LOL. Have a great week.
That sounds so delicious!! I just love the combo of chocolate with fresh fruit. Pinned.
Thank you Joanne. Sometimes a brownie screams for more attention! Enjoy your evening!
Oh Marilyn – this looks wonderfully decadent! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party – have a fabulous week.
Thank you Helen!! the fruit and vanilla bean ice cream take this brownie over the top! Enjoy your evening.
This dessert looks so pretty and sounds so yummy. I bet the pretzels give it just the right amount of salty to go with the sweet.
The sweet and salty is outstanding with the brownie. I am glad you liked it!! Enjoy your evening.
Oh this looks fabulous and how festive for the 4th! Featuring when my party opens up tonight.
Thank you for the feature Carol!! I will be at your blog when the party opens. Have a great holiday.
You had me at brownie 🙂 And then you go and add a salty pretzel crust. Delish. Thanks for being a dedicated partier every week. You’re my feature at Welcome Home Wednesdays! Congrats. See you tomorrow!
Thank you Erin for the feature! How simple to add that crust to a brownie and take it to the next level! Enjoy your week.
This looks like a little bit of heaven on the plate Marilyn. Family would love this at their July 4th bbq I bet.
I hope you get some delicious brownies soon Leanna!
This looks sooooo good!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Thanks for the kind words Cindy. Enjoy your week.
These brownies sound divine Marilyn and I would gladly have a plateful
Thanks Amber. I have been abswering comments on these all week and I keep craving them! Enjoy your week.
Pinned my friend xo
Thank you for the pin! Have a great day!
You’re timing was perfect Marilyn. As you posted this on the Sweet Inspiration Link party my daughter said, mom, mom I want to make that 😀 Gues I’ll be buying some pretzels tomorrow
Your daughter has impeccable taste! And brownies are so easy to make. ?Have a great week!
your styling is stellar, and I’m totally sold! genius! Found you via the link party, and would love to have you visit my post (http://www.hellolovelystudio.com/2017/06/5-tips-to-add-instant-curb-appeal.html) if you have a moment. Peace to you right where you are.
Thank you Michele for your kind words! I am glad you found me and look forward to perusing your post and blog. Have a lovely week.
Mmmm…brownies and pretzels are such a delicious combination. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Thank you Leslie! Enjoy your week.
This looks so tasty!!! I need some in my belly asap. 🙂
Thank you Danielle for your kind words! Enjoy your week.
Born on the Fourth of July I am always drawn to the patriotic things. Then I saw brownie…and pretzel crust…and the berries. Mmmmm I am sold! I will definitely be making this and quite likely to add it to my list of possibilities for my birthday! Thanks for the recipe!
I really hope you get to have this served to you! It is one of my easier recipes and the presentation is so beautiful! Enjoy your week.
Marilyn this sounds delicious!
Thank you Charlotte! Enjoy your week.
Oh my that looks incredible! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner Party!
Thank you for your thoughts Helen. Enjoy your week.
This looks yummy!! I’m definitely going to make this for the 4th of July! Thanks for sharing on Coffee & Conversation! 🙂
I love how simple it is to make it look so appealing! Enjoy your week.
What a great idea to brighten up a brownie, and make it a little healthier. I also love the pretzel crust. Thank you for sharing at Grandma’s House link party. Shared and pinned.
I am glad you like this recipe Amy! Enjoy your week!
I am a fan of red, white and blue food. Add some brownie and it’s a keeper!!! Thanks for sharing at What’d You Do This Weekend? Hope to see you again next week!
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
I am all about those pretty easy dished, too. Enjoy your week!
This looks so pretty! 🙂
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Thanks Jess. . Enjoy your week!
Wow, does that look good! I hope I have a party to attend so I can bring it!
Thanks. I am sure one will pop up in your near future!
That is an impressive looking brownie! 🙂
Thank you! And so easy, too. Enjoy your weekend!
This sounds like a winner!
Thank you Michele! Enjoy your weekend!
Sweet and savory! I know this is a real hit. It looks and sounds delish.
Thank you Clearissa. This brownie is one of my favorite recipe posts. Too easy, just a little granish! Enjoy your weekend!
Yum! I love brownies and love patriotism, great combination. 🙂 Really looks delicious, thank you for sharing at Funtastic Friday
You are welcome Mistie. I am glad you enjoy it!
This looks fabulous but the pretzel crust is what’s especially enticing to me. YUMMY!
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely day!
xoxo
Thank you Jennifer. Enjoy the sunshine!
Congratulations!
Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Enjoy your new Red Plate and have a great weekend.
Miz Helen
Thank you Miz Helen! I am excited.
Marilyn, this treat looks delicious! It’s going on my to make list! I’d love for you to share this at our Celebrate the USA Party.
Thank you Beverly. And of course I would love to add it to your party!
Hi Marilyn! This brownie looks so great and I love the patriotic twist. I’m featuring over at You Link It, We Make It this morning. Hope to see you back – I’m pinning this to our group party board!
Thank you April. I just love that aspect of the party where you actually make a dish. That is a lot of dedication
Hi Marilyn,
Great to see you here at Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Thank you for bringing your post to the Pit Stop last week.
Janice
Thank you Janice. It took me a few visits to figure outh that party!
Marilyn, this sounds so delicious! I just want to eat THE WHOLE THING and not share it. I’m featuring this on my blog tomorrow. Such a blessing to have you a fellow cohostess, love your recipes (even if I don’t *always*comment on them, I read 200+ blogs weekly, can’t comment on all of them, not enough time!!). Anyway, like I said, this sounds so yummy!
Thank you Angela. And I understand about the limited commenting time. I host 4 parties and visit another 58 each week. It keps me from snacking though! Thank tou for the feature and kind words!
I think that this combo will definitely be fit for the fireworks! Yeehaw! Fruit never looked so good, might be the chocolate underneath it!
I actually made this as a nice presntation for the blueberries. I felt so guilty I ate the entire thing myself!
That looks beautiful and sounds delicious! Mmmm! Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday!
You are welcome! See you next week!
This looks *so* good! I definitely need to give it a go. 😀
Thanks so much for sharing at #FridayFrivolity too.
It even gets easier if you use your favorite brownie mix!
Hi Marilyn,
Sending this recipe out in my newsletter today! I put it on the MySideof50 FB page earlier the week. Looks yummy!
Thank you Cathy! Link love is always appreciated!
Wowwwww It looks and sounds heavenly!
I’m drooling and it’s 10:30 AM now LOL
I am glad you find it drool worthy Winnie!
I so need this! Looks heavenly. I love that you added berries to the dish. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us at Merry Monday.
You are welcome Sherry! I’m glad you found it interesting!
ooohhh – Marilyn that looks yummy! Blogger’s pit stop sent me! 🙂
Have a great week.
Thank you Helen! Gotta love parties. I would miss half the posts I like!
I ca see why you’re sticking with this recipe – its gorgeous! Thanks for linking up with us at Throwback Thursday! Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
Mollie
Other than throw and dump snack mixes this is the easiest ready to go dish!
Oh how delicious Marilyn! I love all your recipes! This one is perfect for a summer afternnoon get together!
Thank you Katrin. I am glad you find them useful.
What a wonderful dessert, I can’t wait to try this! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
Miz Helen
It is my pleasure. Thank you.
This looks delicious! The perfect summer treat! Thanks for sharing at #SmallVictories
You are very welcome Danita!
I just found my Fourth of July dessert! Thank you! Looks scrumptious.
Thank you Michelle. I hope it tasted great!
These look so good!! Dessert is my favourite meal haha 🙂 Definitely want to try this one 🙂
Mine too. It is also my favorite food group!
Wow this looks delicious! Pretzel and brownie is a great combination and I just need to find a reason to make it now haha. Thanks for joining us at #sharethejoy
Thanks Michelle. Any reason is good. How about today ends in DAY?
I love brownies and adding pretzels must make them even better. I think I’ll pin this recipe to my brownie board.
Thank you Donna and thanks for the pin!
These look great! I can only imagine that the salty rich brownies paired with the fresh berries is divine!
Thanks Sarah. They are so awesome!
Yum! This looks so good!
I found your post today on Party at My Place.
Hope you have a great day today~
Blessings,
Melanie
Thank you Melanie! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know!
This dessert looks so yummy and so perfect for memorial weekend. It is almost too pretty to eat.
Bev
Thanks Beverly. And all it is is fancy presentation! My kind of treat.
Hi Marilyn! Popping over from Brag About It to thank you for linking up, congrats on being featured next week, and . . . to tell you that I’m so going to try your brownie with a pretzel crust! What a fabulous idea and taste combination! Pinning 🙂 Have a wonderful Holiday weekend!
Thank you Laurie. The part about parties is when I find out my recipes are getting made! I hope you enjoy and write a post about it!
YUM! I bet the pretzel crust (salty) is great with the chocolate! Plus it is so pretty! Pinned to try later.
Thank you for sharing this week at Brag About It link party on VMG206 (Mondays at Midnight). I plan to feature you next week!
~ Megin of VMG206
You are welcome Megin. Thank you for the feature!
Love the salty/sweet combination in this dessert. Dark chocolate is my favorite!
Thank you Cathy. I am glad you enjoy them!
I wouldn’t change a thing, it looks perfect and delicious! Thanks again for sharing your links with us at Celebrate Your Story. Have a peaceful and fun holiday weekend!
Thank you Sandra. You too!
Brownies and cookies are my favorite sweets, and adding a little salt makes both even better! Brownies with a pretzel crust!!! Yes, please! Pinned and tweeted, thanks for sharing with us at #MMBH!
XOXO
Thank you Dean for the sharing love. And I am glad you liked the brownie!
I absolutely LOVE the idea of brownies with a pretzel crust…YUMM! Thanks so much for sharing your delicious recipe with us at Share The Wealth Sunday! xoxo
You are welcome Lisa. I am so glad I found your party!
Looks totally divine!
Thank you so much Jenna. I am so glad you like it.
Brownies and pretzels and fruit and ice cream? How can you resist?! This looks like the perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend coming up – it would be such a hit with kids of all ages 🙂
Thank you KathrynYour guests will be wowed!
Marilyn – another yummy dessert idea of yours! I never thought of combining pretzels and brownies – what a great idea! Yummy! Pinning and stumbling!
Thank you for the pin and stumble!
Love this! Pinned & Yummed.
Thanks for the pin and yum!
Your Patriotic Brownie with a Pretzel Crust looks too yummy and healthy, thanks for sharing
You are welcome Abigail. thank for the compliment!
That’s a great compromise for the summer—most summer recipes are almost too light (is that a thing?), but at least this has sweet & salt!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Give me sweet and salty or give me death! Thanks Jodie!
great ideas ! Thanks for sharing ! 🙂
You are welcome Hafsa!
Looks so delicious. I like the use of the fresh fruit. It’s nice to add some fresh fruit to desserts.
Thank you Celeste. I am going to try this on zucchini brownies next time!
Oh yum, they look absolutely delicious!
Thank you Daniela!
Love this bit of yumminess! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Look for your feature on Monday xo
Thanks Katherine! What an honor! I’m speechless. So glad you could come and visit. Your party is on my weekly visit list. So many great links! Glad to meet you.
Oh Yum! I get so excited each week to see what you have been working on because it’s always AMAZING! Thank you for sharing this with us. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we can party!!!! Lou Lou Girls
Thank you Kim, see you there.
Marilyn, you need to move near me so I can come over and sample all of your treats 🙂 Pinned.
Erlene, that is a deal! Thx!
Happy July 4th Marilyn and what a great recipe! YUM Who would not love the combination of pretzel and brownie? Pinned and shared!
Thanks Joanne! I appreciate all the comments, shares and pins. This week I am getting back to normal after my own vacation and computer snafoos!