Ingredients
Crust
- 12 graham crackers, crushed to fine crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup (8 tablespoons) butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 8-ounce container Cool Whip topping
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries and set aside. Combine crushed graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased pie dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and remaining ¾ cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the pureed strawberries. Gently fold in the Cool Whip topping until the mixture is well combined.
- Assemble and freeze: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Cover the pie dish with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, allowing it to set properly.
- Serve: About 20-30 minutes before serving, remove the cheesecake from the freezer and let it thaw slightly at room temperature. To slice, dip a knife in hot water, wipe dry, and cut into wedges. Top each serving with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce. Enjoy your delicious frozen strawberry cheesecake!
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Puree the strawberries well to incorporate flavor evenly in the filling.
- Freezing time is essential for the cheesecake to set properly; do not skip.
- If you prefer, substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- To get clean slices, warm the knife in hot water before slicing each piece.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
