Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake

 As much as possible, I try to bake and create using seasonal ingredients, not only because I think it's probably healthier to eat this way, but also because it's more economical.  And right now, it's strawberry season in these parts.  YUM!  We visited our local pick-your-own farm and market on Monday to reap some of nature's bounty and I promised to follow up with a new strawberry recipe for ya, so here it is!

 

By the way, this is a Sassy Pants original, born more out of desperation than inspiration because it seemed like I was missing at least one ingredient from any of the recipes I found while combing the web for something new.  It's sort of a combination of two or three different recipes, and a few alterations my MIL and I decided to make along the way.  Never the less - voila!

 

Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake

 

1 'Shortcut Shortbread' Crust

2 packages softened cream cheese

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/2 C milk

1/2 C sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 - 3 cups crushed strawberries

4-5 sliced strawberries

whipped cream

 

For complete instructions on making your own 'Shortcut Shortbread' crust, go here!  Then press your 'Shortcut Shortbread' crust into the bottom of a springform pan and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.  Cool completely while preparing filling.

 

For filling, empty one envelope of unflavored gelatin into 1/2 C milk and heat in small saucepan on low for 2-3 minutes until gelatin is completely dissolved.  Pour over two packages softened cream cheese and blend well.  Add vanilla and sugar.  Add strawberries and mix well.  Mixture will be fairly runny.

 

Line the sides of your springform pan with cooled crust with strawberry slices approximately 1/4" thick.  Pour filling into pan.  Refrigerate overnight or until firm.  Remove sides of pan and garnish with strawberries, whipped cream, mint sprigs as desired!

 

This recipe is quite yummy and would be a perfect ending to Easter brunch.  However, it doesn't taste like cheesecake to me.  Instead, it reminds me of strawberry jello salad, which is basically what I ended up with after tasting it and rereading my ingredients.  But what a beautiful alternative to jello salad's traditional presentation!  And the 'shortcut shortbread' crust elevates this dessert to something truly heavenly!

 

 

So why not give it a try when strawberry season arrives and let me know you think!

 

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