Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can (396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice, fresh
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) water
- 1 tablespoon (7g) cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) lemon juice
Instructions:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Chill.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, beating until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, followed by lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Spread evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set.
- Combine sliced strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 15 minutes to macerate. In a small saucepan, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Add the macerated strawberries (with their juice) to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Stir in lemon juice. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Spoon the strawberry topping over the chilled cheesecake pie. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries, if desired. Slice and serve!