Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Strawberry Pretzel Salad:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare Pretzel Crust: In a bowl, mix the crushed pretzels with ½ cup of granulated sugar and the melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

3. Bake: Bake the pretzel crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

4. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until combined.

5. Spread Layer: Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel layer in the baking dish.

6. Prepare Strawberry Topping: In another bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.

7. Add Strawberries: Allow the gelatin mixture to cool slightly. Once it’s cooled but not set, gently fold in the sliced strawberries.

8. Combine Layers: Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Make sure to distribute it evenly.

9. Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.

10. Serve: Once chilled and set, cut into squares and serve cold. Enjoy the amazing combination of flavors!