Preheat Oven at 375°F. To prepare the crust, stir together in a bowl the graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix in melted butter and turn into a 9 inch springform pan. A little oil on your fingers helps to keep the crust from sticking to your fingers. Bake in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes. Let Cool.
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F. Next, mix softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add in the 1 cup sugar, beating until fluffy. Add 2 grated lemon peel and vanilla. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Next, stir in gently the diced strawberries.
Pour into the shell and bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is set. Cool on wire rack for about an hour and let chill for 3 hours or until cheesecake is firm.
For the topping, mix together the Cool Whip and 2 cups of fresh sliced strawberries in a bowl. Spread on cheesecake. Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe.