Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Crush the crackers into crumbs using a food processor or by hand. Add the melted butter and sugar; blend well. Press onto the base of a 9-inch springform pan; chill.

Step 2

In a large mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. Blend in the sugar. Add flour and beat until incorporated. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, on low speed just until blended, scraping sides of bowl often. Add the sour cream, lemon peel and vanilla; beat just until blended. Pour mixture over chilled crust in the pan.

Step 3

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.** Turn off oven and keep the door ajar; let cheesecake sit in oven for 1 hour. Place pan on a wire rack to cool. Run a sharp knife around sides; cover and chill for 6 hours or overnight.

Step 4

When ready to serve, remove pan sides. Slide cheesecake onto a serving plate. Overlap strawberries in circles on top of cheesecake and fill the center with raspberries.

Notes:

*Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 2 hours or unwrap and microwave each package for 15 seconds.

**Do not over-bake. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools.