Creating The Best Strawberry Pretzel Salad can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Form Crust: Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Cool Crust: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely.
5. Make Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and the remaining granulated sugar (½ cup) until smooth.
6. Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
7. Spread the Filling: Once the crust is cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
8. Prepare Strawberry Layer: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved.
9. Add Cold Water: Mix in 1 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture. Let it cool slightly.
10. Combine Strawberries: Add the sliced strawberries to the cooled gelatin mixture and stir gently.
11. Pour Gelatin Mixture: Carefully pour the strawberry and gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
12. Chill Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours until the salad is set.
13. Serve: Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled.

With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to whip up this delightful dessert in no time.