Recipes and Cooking Cheesecake-Filled Watermelon 4.0 (9) 2 Reviews Fill a watermelon shell with graham cracker crumbs, strawberry-flavored cheesecake, and chocolate chips for a cheesecake dessert that looks just like a watermelon! By BHG Test Kitchen BHG Test Kitchen The Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen has been in continuous operation for nearly 100 years, developing and testing practical, reliable recipes that readers can enjoy at home. The Test Kitchen team includes culinary specialists, food stylists, registered and licensed nutritionists, and other experts with Bachelor of Science degrees in food science, food and nutrition, or culinary arts. Together, the team tests more than 2,500 recipes, produces more than 2,500 food images, and creates more than 1,000 food videos each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on March 30, 2017 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Hands On Time: 1 hrs 15 mins Total Time: 24 mins Servings: 12 Ingredients 1 watermelon with a circumference of about 28-inches 16 graham cracker squares, crushed ¼ cup butter, melted 2 tablespoon packed light brown sugar Pinch of salt 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoon cold water 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened ½ cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla A few drops of red food coloring (optional) ½ cup heavy cream ¼ cup chocolate pieces Directions Cut a 2- to 2 1/2-inch thick slice out of the center of the watermelon. Carefully slice and remove the red center, save for another use. Pat dry the watermelon rind ring and place in a 9-inch springform pan. In a small bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Press into the bottom of the pan and a little up the sides of the watermelon rind. Chill until ready to use. In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, water, and vanilla. Cook and stir over medium until strawberries are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a small bowl sprinkle gelatin over the cold water and allow to bloom for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer strawberry mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Return mixture back to the saucepan and add gelatin mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking until gelatin has dissolved completely. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment) beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the strawberry mixture until smooth. If desired, beat in red food coloring. In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream on medium-high until stiff peaks begin to form. Gently fold whipped cream into strawberry cream cheese mixture until combined. Pour into prepared watermelon rind. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and chill 4 to 24 hours. Matthew Clark Rate it Print