Ingredients
2-3/4 cups coarsely crushed saltines (about 60 crackers)1 cup sugar, divided 1/2 cup butter, melted2 cups sliced fresh or frozen sliced strawberries, thawed1 teaspoon lemon juice1 teaspoon grated lemon zest1/4 cup cold water1 envelope unflavored gelatin2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened1/2 cup heavy whipping creamLemon slices, optional
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Combine crushed crackers and 1/4 cup sugar with melted butter. Using the bottom of a glass, press cracker mixture onto bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate. Bake until set, 15-18 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Combine strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, lemon juice and zest; let stand 10 minutes. Meanwhile, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand 5 minutes. Transfer strawberry mixture to a food processor or blender; pulse until smooth. Microwave gelatin on high until melted, about 10 seconds; stir into strawberry mixture.
Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Gradually beat in cream and strawberry mixture. Transfer filling to crust. Refrigerate, covered, until set, about 2 hours. If desired, top with lemon slices.
