Let’s assemble these fun and flavorful Strawberry-Lime Bars:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pretzel Crumbs:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the crushed pretzels and ¼ cup of the granulated sugar in a small bowl.

Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

Spread the buttered pretzel crumbs out in an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.

2. Toast the Crumbs:

To toast, bake the crumbs until golden brown and fragrant, 9-11 minutes.

Cool the toasted pretzel crumbs completely on a wire rack. This step enhances flavor and crispness.

3. Make the Lime Cream Cheese Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract, and the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until blended and smooth.

4. Incorporate Pretzel Crumbs:

Stir the completely cooled toasted pretzel mixture into the cream cheese filling until evenly distributed.

5. Spread Filling into Pan:

Spread the cream cheese-pretzel mixture into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan, creating an even layer.

6. Prepare Strawberry Gelatin Topping:

In a separate large bowl, add the boiling water to the strawberry gelatin powder.

Stir for 2 minutes, or until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

Gently stir the chopped fresh strawberries into the dissolved gelatin.

Cool slightly, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is partially set (like unbeaten egg whites – thick but not solid).

7. Add Topping and Chill:

Carefully spoon the partially set strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese-pretzel layer in the pan. Spread gently to cover.

Refrigerate, covered, for at least 2 hours, or until the gelatin is completely firm. Overnight is even better.

8. Serve:

Cut the chilled dessert into bars or squares. Serve cold. Enjoy the unique texture and flavor