My aunts used to cook this, and I feared the recipe was lost. Thankfully, I stumbled upon it, and it's tastier than ever!

Strawberry cheesecake trifle is one of those desserts that feels decadent but is surprisingly simple to put together. It's perfect for when you need to impress guests but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. This recipe combines layers of creamy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberries, and crumbled graham crackers for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. I first made this for a summer BBQ and it was such a hit that it's become a staple in my dessert rotation.

This strawberry cheesecake trifle pairs wonderfully with a light and fresh salad, making it a great ending to a summer meal. It's also fantastic served alongside a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon. If you're making it for a party, consider serving it in individual cups for a cute and convenient presentation.

Servings: 8

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar. Stir gently and set aside to macerate while you prepare the other components.

2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.

5. To assemble the trifle, start by adding a layer of graham cracker crumbs at the bottom of a trifle dish or individual cups.

6. Add a layer of the cheesecake mixture on top of the crumbs, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.

7. Repeat the layers until you've used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of strawberries on top.

8. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.