Let’s get started! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Part 1: Make the Pretzel Crust

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

2. Crush Pretzels: Place the pretzel sticks in a large resealable plastic bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs.

3. Combine Crust Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until well combined.

4. Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

5. Bake Crust: Bake until the crust is lightly crisp and browned, 12 to 14 minutes.

6. Cool Crust: Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Part 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Whip Heavy Cream: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer), beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the whipped cream to a separate large bowl and set aside.

2. Beat Cream Cheese: In the same bowl used to beat the cream (no need to wipe clean), beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and smooth, about 3 minutes.

3. Add Sour Cream, Sugar, and Vanilla: Gradually add the sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, beating on medium-high speed until the batter is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

4. Fold in Whipped Cream: Transfer the cream cheese mixture to the bowl with the whipped cream. Gently fold the two mixtures together until completely combined.

5. Spread on crust. Spread evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.

6. Chill: Chill the assembled crust and filling in the refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour.

Part 3: Make the Strawberry Topping

1. Dissolve Gelatin: Stir together the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder and boiling water in a large bowl until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

2. Add Strawberries: Stir in the stemmed and sliced fresh strawberries.

3. Chill: Chill in the refrigerator, uncovered, until partially set, about 1 hour. The mixture should be slightly thickened but not completely firm.

Part 4: Assemble and Chill

1. Add Strawberry Topping: Carefully spoon the partially set strawberry mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer.

2. Chill Again: Chill the assembled Strawberry Pretzel Salad until completely set, about 2 hours or overnight.

Part 5: Serve

1. Cut and Serve: To serve, cut the Strawberry Pretzel Salad into squares.

2. Serve Chilled: Serve chilled.

Enjoy this delicious and refreshing dessert!