1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust.
3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
6. In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in the boiling water. Stir in the sliced strawberries.
7. Carefully pour the gelatin-strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is set.
8. When ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy the delightful layers of crunch, cream, and strawberry goodness.
Variations & Tips
For a twist, try using different fruits like blueberries or raspberries along with matching gelatin flavors. You can also experiment with a graham cracker crust if pretzels aren’t your preference. Add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty kick. For a more indulgent variation, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top just before serving. And remember, fresh, in-season strawberries make a world of difference in flavor!