Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Directions for Cheesecake:

1. Using a food processor, or a large ziploc bag, crush the graham crackers until they are a fine crumble.
2. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Add in melted butter and combine.
4. Pour into a lined springform pan.
5. Place the crust into the refrigerator so it can start to set while you prepare the filling.
6. For the filling, add cream cheese, with the cool whip and beat until creamy. It will be thick and fluffy.
7. Melt the white chips for about one minute, and quickly beat in the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
8. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and then top with chopped strawberries.
9. Return to the refrigerator so it has time to set while you prepare the cake.

Directions for Cake:

1. Prepare as directed on the package, and evenly divide mix into two cake pans. Bake as directed.
2. Allow to cool and remove from pans.
3. Before assembling with the cheesecake, using a long sharp knife, trip the tops of the cakes, and reserve for the crumble.

Directions for Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla.
2. Beat together until smooth and creamy. (You will use white frosting for the inside of the cake, and then add food coloring to make a pink outer frosting, unless you want it all pink or all white.)

Directions for Crumble:

1. Gently crumble the entire package of wafers into small pieces.
2. Crumble the reserved cake tops, and divide into two bowls.
3. Add one or two drops of red food coloring to one bowl of crumbled cake, and stir until well mixed.
4. Combine all three bowls into one large bowl, set aside.

Assembly:

1. Place one cake on a stand or plate and lightly frost the top.
2. Use a flat knife to slide between the cheesecake and the springform pan to remove the pan.
3. Gently lift cheesecake out and remove the paper liner from the crust. Place on top of the frosted cake.
4. Add the second cake to the top of the cheesecake.
5. Reserve a cup of frosting and set aside.
6. Add a few drops of food color to the remaining frosting, so that it is a light pink color.
7. Frost the entire outer cake.
8. Press the crumble into the frosting.
9. Use reserved white frosting to create swirls on top of the cake.
10. You can also do dollops of frosting or whipping cream.
11. Place a strawberry into each swirl before slicing.
12. Keep refrigerated.