Ingredients:

  • 24 large fresh strawberries
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp almond extract
  • 0.25 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions:

  1. Wash the strawberries and dry them thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the filling adheres properly.
  2. Using a paring knife, slice off the leafy green tops and carefully hollow out the center of each strawberry to create a cavity.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
  4. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it is light, fluffy, and completely smooth.
  5. Transfer the cheesecake mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  6. Pipe the filling generously into the hollowed-out strawberries, allowing it to peak slightly over the top.
  7. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the filled berries and finish with a light dusting of lemon zest.