Ingredients:

  • 24 large, firm strawberries
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 8 oz Philadelphia-style cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Slice the stem end off 24 strawberries so they can stand upright.
  2. Use a small spoon to remove the core, creating a deep well for the cream.
  3. Invert the strawberries onto a paper towel for 5 minutes until the interior moisture is absorbed.
  4. Beat 8 oz cream cheese with a hand mixer until completely smooth and aerated.
  5. Add 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp salt, mixing on low speed initially.
  6. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp zest until the aroma is bright and fragrant.
  7. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  8. Pipe the cream into each strawberry, swirling upward until it forms a decorative peak.
  9. Combine 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter in a small bowl.
  10. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs over the tops until the cream is lightly coated.