Instructions

For the Crust

1. Grind the graham crackers into a fine crumb using a food process or blender. Combine with melted butter and stir until the crackers are coated. Press into a 9×9 pan. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

For the Filling

1. Thoroughly wash and dry all the strawberries, and remove the stems. Slice 1 cup of strawberries into small pieces, about the size of a dime. Then chop the rest lengthwise. Pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Prepare a batch of whipped cream. Chill the bowl in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Beat the heavy whipping cream in the chilled bowl at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue beating at high speed until stiff peaks form. Set it aside.
3. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla extract and beat until it’s smooth and free of lumps. Then mix in the prepared whipped cream, and stir with a spatula until it’s well mixed.
4. Divide the mixture in half. To one half, add the strawberry jello and 1 cup of finely chopped berries, and stir until combined.

To Assemble:

1. Layer the sliced strawberries over the graham cracker crust, overlapping and filling the gaps.
2. Spread the cheesecake filling overtop of the strawberries, followed by the strawberry cheesecake filling.
3. Prepare the second batch of whipped cream as instructed above. Decorate using 1M piping tip fitted in a large piping bag, or spread evenly over top. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 4-6 hours until serving.