The surprise in Special Strawberry Surprise is not the strawberries: there’s a ruby layer of sweet, summer strawberry slices right on the top, inviting you to slice into it and enjoy its sweetness. The real surprise in this Special Strawberry Surprise is what’s underneath! A tangy, creamy whipped topping layer that balances the vibrancy of the fruit, and a crunchy, salty pretzel crust. What will probably surprise you the most is just how much you love this dessert!
Ingredients
- 6 ounces strawberry gelatin mix
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 1/2 cups salted pretzels, measured before crushing
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces frozen imitation whipped topping, thawed in the fridge
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Combine the strawberry gelatin mix with the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.
Step 3 –Set the gelatin mixture aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 4 –Use a rolling pin to crush the pretzels in a sturdy resealable bag.
Step 5 –In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 6 –Add 1/4 cup of the sugar to the butter and stir.
Step 7 –Mix the crushed pretzels into the butter mixture.
Step 8 –Transfer the pretzel mixture to a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish and press it evenly over the bottom of the dish.
Step 9 –Bake the pretzel crust until set and lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
Step 10 –Allow the pretzel crust to cool to room temperature.
Step 11 –Once the pretzel crust has cooled, use an electric hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and the remaining sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy and white.
Step 12 –Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks of the cream cheese remain.
Step 13 –Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust and spread it out to the edges of the dish to create a tight seal.
Step 14 –Refrigerate the crust and the topping mixture for 30 minutes.
Step 15 –Stir the strawberries into the room temperature gelatin.
Step 16 –Pour and spread the strawberry gelatin mixture evenly over the cooled cream cheese layer and refrigerate until the gelatin is set, about 2-4 hours.
Step 17 –Serve.