# What You Need:
→ Pretzel Crust
01 - 2 cups salted pretzels, crushed
02 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Cream Cheese Layer
04 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
→ Strawberry Gelatin Layer
07 - 2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry-flavored gelatin
08 - 2 cups boiling water
09 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
# Directions:
01 - Set oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine crushed salted pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until evenly moistened.
03 - Firmly press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to create an even base. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined.
05 - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, taking care to seal the edges to prevent gelatin from seeping through.
06 - In a separate large bowl, dissolve strawberry-flavored gelatin in boiling water. Stir until gelatin is fully dissolved, then allow to cool to room temperature.
07 - Gently stir the sliced fresh strawberries into the cooled gelatin mixture.
08 - Carefully pour the strawberry and gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even distribution.
09 - Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4 hours or until fully set and firm.
10 - Cut into desired portions and serve chilled.
