01 - 
                In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
              
              
              
                02 - 
                Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and beat at low speed until smooth. Add the remaining 2 cups of cream and beat at medium to medium-high speed until soft peaks form, increasing the speed as the mixture begins to thicken. Fold in the vanilla and lemon zest.
              
              
              
                03 - 
                Spoon 1/4 cup of the cream mixture into the bottom of a 9-by-9-inch pan or baking dish, spreading into a thin, even layer.
              
              
              
                04 - 
                Top with the graham crackers in a single, even layer, breaking them as needed to fit. Spread about 1 1/2 cups of the cream mixture over the graham crackers, using a spoon or offset spatula to smooth into an even layer. Top the cream mixture with an even layer of strawberries, about 1 1/2 cups. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup of almonds, if using.
              
              
              
                05 - 
                Repeat once more with graham crackers, cream mixture, strawberries, and almonds.
              
              
              
                06 - 
                Top with a final layer of graham crackers, cream mixture, and berries.
              
              
              
                07 - 
                Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to overnight.