Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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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.
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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.
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In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
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Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
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In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in the boiling water. Stir in the sliced strawberries.
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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.
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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!