Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh large strawberries
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Wash and pat strawberries dry. Slice each strawberry in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop a small well into the center of each half. Slice a paper-thin sliver off the rounded back of each half to create a flat base.
  2. Invert the prepared strawberry halves onto lint-free paper towels for 10 minutes to drain excess moisture and ensure the filling adheres properly.
  3. In a medium bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream until the mixture is a stable, fluffy emulsion.
  4. Transfer the cheesecake filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the mixture generously into the hollowed well of each strawberry half.
  5. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the cheesecake filling and garnish with optional mint or chocolate shavings immediately before serving.