Key Lime Pretzel Dessert

My family loves the strawberry jello pretzel dessert, me and my mom especially. We could seriously eat it for every meal until it's gone (and usually do). One year, way back when I first started blogging, Rachel at Coconut and Lime held a contest that called for two specific ingredients. Yep, you guessed it...coconut and lime. That's how I came up with this delicious twist on a much-loved classic. It's perfect for any time and would make a great addition to your Easter dessert table. 

Key Lime Pretzel Dessert

2 cups crushed pretzels
1/2 cup butter, melted (one stick)
4 ½ tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 pack Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix (I use Tastefully Simple)
2 (8 ounce) containers frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 (3 ounce) packages lime flavored Jell-O
2 cups boiling water

For Topping
1/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/3 cup toasted coconut flakes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Stir together pretzels, butter, sugar,  macadamia nuts & coconut. Mix well and press mixture into the bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Bake 8-10 minutes, until set. Set aside to cool. 

In large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and cheese ball mix. Fold in one container whipped topping. Spread mixture onto cooled crust, being sure to extend all the way to edges to "seal". 

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Place in fridge to allow to set briefly. When Jell-O is cooled and thickened, stir and pour over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until set. 

To serve top with additional whipped topping, toasted coconut and crushed macadamia nuts. Enjoy!

Happy Friday!