16ounces(454 grams) cream cheese, completely softened to room temperature
1tablespoonlemon juice
1 1/4cupsfresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2cup(180 grams) heavy cream, chilled
Instructions
For the crust:
Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on all sides.
Place the graham crackers in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until very finely ground. The more finely ground, the better the crust will stay together and not crumble. Add in the melted butter and pulse until moistened.
Very firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup. Refrigerate.
For the cheesecake:
In the bowl of blender, combine the sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, and salt. Blend until the strawberries are powdery with no visible chunks remaining. Add the cream cheese, lemon juice, and fresh strawberries. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom as needed. A blender tamper can help bring the mixture together quickly.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment to whip the cream until medium peaks form. Add the strawberry mixture to the whipped cream and gently fold until combined. Spread over prepared crust, smoothing the top.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. Let sit in the fridge 30 minutes before serving. Run a large sharp knife under hot water, wiping it off in between slices. Cut into 9 bars.
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for up to 2 weeks. If freezing, remove from freezer and refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
*Find freeze-dried strawberries near the other dried fruits like raisins at the grocery store. They're consistently stocked at Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and Walmart, or online here. If you can’t find them, simply omit - but note that the strawberry color and flavor will be less intense.