Preparing Strawberry Pretzel Salad is straightforward and fun! Follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Pretzel Crust:
– In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
– Mix until all pretzels are evenly coated.
– Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even crust.
3. Bake Crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely afterward.
4. Make Cream Cheese Layer:
– In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
– Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
5. Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Prepare Strawberry Layer:
– In a saucepan, bring water and granulated sugar to a boil.
– Once boiling, stir in the strawberry gelatin mix until dissolved.
– Remove from heat and let it sit until it cools slightly.
7. Add Strawberries: After the gelatin mixture has cooled, mix in the sliced strawberries.
8. Assemble the Salad: Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even distribution.
9. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours until set properly before serving.

Enjoy preparing your Strawberry Pretzel Salad, as it encapsulates fun and deliciousness in a single dish!