Strawberry Pretzel Salad (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 8 oz of cream cheese, brought to room temperature.
02 - 6 oz package of strawberry jelly powder.
03 - Half a cup of granulated sugar.
04 - 2 cups hot water, just boiled.
05 - 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
06 - 1 pound of fresh strawberries, cleaned and cut.
07 - 8 oz of whipped cream (like Chantilly), chilled.
08 - 2 1/2 cups salted pretzel sticks, measured before smashing.
09 - 1/4 cup fine sugar.

# Instructions:

01 - Heat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Mix strawberry jelly powder into 2 cups of recently boiled water. Stir thoroughly to dissolve, then let the mixture cool until it’s at room temperature.
02 - Using a zippered plastic bag and a rolling pin, smash the pretzels into roughly crumbled bits until the texture is coarse.
03 - In a medium-sized pot, warm the butter on medium heat until melted. Stir in 1/4 cup of sugar and mix thoroughly until blended together. Add in the smashed pretzels, making sure they’re all evenly coated.
04 - Spread the pretzel mixture in a 13x9-inch casserole dish made of glass. Press it down gently so it forms an even crust layer on the bottom. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then let it cool completely.
05 - After the crust has cooled, take an electric hand mixer to whip together the softened cream cheese and half a cup of sugar. Beat until it turns smooth and looks white and fluffy.
06 - Take the whipped cream and gently fold it into the sweetened cream cheese mixture until there are no more streaks. Spread this smooth, creamy layer over the pretzel crust, making sure it reaches the edges to seal everything. Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge.
07 - Slice the fresh strawberries after removing their green tops, and gently stir them into the cooled jelly mixture.
08 - Pour the strawberry jelly mix right over the creamy layer, spreading it evenly so it’s smooth. Place the dish in the fridge and let it set for about 2 to 4 hours or until firm.

# Notes:

01 - This dessert has an irresistible combo of sweet, salty, and creamy elements, making it a hit at gatherings.
02 - The crunchy pretzel crust is a fun textural surprise that contrasts perfectly with the creamy and fruity parts.