Special Strawberry Surprise

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 9x13-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.