Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is the perfect treat for those who love the combination of creamy, tangy cheesecake and the fresh, fruity sweetness of ripe strawberries.
This indulgent dessert brings together the richness of a classic cheesecake and the refreshing coolness of ice cream, creating a delightful frozen dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing.
With its smooth, velvety texture and vibrant flavor, strawberry cheesecake ice cream is a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a warm summer day or an evening indulgence.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this decadent dessert at home, from gathering your ingredients to the step-by-step process of making it. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need for Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
To make strawberry cheesecake ice cream, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavors.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Fresh Strawberries
For the best flavor, fresh strawberries are a must. They’ll provide the natural sweetness and tartness that balances the richness of the cheesecake base.
Cream Cheese
A key element of cheesecake, cream cheese adds a tangy richness to the ice cream that mimics the flavor of an actual cheesecake. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is responsible for giving the ice cream its rich and creamy texture. It creates that luxurious mouthfeel we love in homemade ice cream.
Whole Milk
Whole milk contributes to the ice cream’s smooth consistency. Using whole milk ensures the ice cream is rich but not too heavy.
Sugar
To sweeten the ice cream, you’ll need some sugar. The amount can be adjusted depending on how sweet you want the final product to be.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle depth to the ice cream base.
Graham Crackers (Optional)
For that classic cheesecake crust flavor, you can include crushed graham crackers. This will give the ice cream an added crunch and a nostalgic touch of cheesecake crust.
With all these ingredients in hand, you’ll be ready to start making your strawberry cheesecake ice cream!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making strawberry cheesecake ice cream at home is a fun and rewarding process!
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a rich, creamy, and delicious dessert that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Mixture
- Wash and Slice Strawberries: Begin by washing your fresh strawberries thoroughly. Remove the stems and slice them into small pieces.
- Cook the Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, add the sliced strawberries and 1/4 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Blend the Mixture: Once the strawberries are cooked, transfer them to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. You can leave a few chunks for texture if you prefer. Set aside and let the mixture cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Base
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar, Vanilla, and Milk: Gradually add 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of whole milk to the cream cheese. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate the Heavy Cream: Add 2 cups of heavy cream to the mixture and stir gently until everything is well-blended and the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Strawberry Puree with the Cheesecake Base
- Combine the Mixtures: Once both the strawberry mixture and the cheesecake base are cool, gently fold the strawberry puree into the cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep some strawberry swirls visible in the final ice cream.
Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream
- Churn the Ice Cream: If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: If you’re making this without an ice cream maker, transfer the mixture into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes for the first few hours to prevent ice crystals from forming and to ensure a smooth texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the ice cream is frozen to your desired consistency, scoop it into bowls or cones and serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy your homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries
The flavor of your ice cream will depend on the quality of your strawberries, so always choose fresh, ripe, and sweet strawberries for the best taste.
2. Don’t Skip the Churning
Churning your ice cream helps create a smooth, creamy texture by breaking up ice crystals as it freezes. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, make sure to stir the mixture frequently in the freezer to achieve a similar result.
3. Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste
Strawberries vary in sweetness, so feel free to adjust the sugar in both the strawberry mixture and the cheesecake base to match your personal preference. Taste as you go!
4. Use Full-Fat Dairy for Creaminess
For the creamiest texture, stick with full-fat cream cheese, whole milk, and heavy cream. This will ensure that your ice cream has the rich, indulgent texture you’re looking for.
5. Add Graham Cracker Crust for Crunch
If you love the classic cheesecake crust, crumble some graham crackers into the ice cream after it’s churned for a fun, crunchy texture that adds even more to the cheesecake experience.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll ensure your strawberry cheesecake ice cream comes out perfectly every time!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Once your homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are some delicious serving ideas to make your treat even more indulgent:
With Fresh Berries
Top your scoop of strawberry cheesecake ice cream with extra fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. This adds a burst of freshness and enhances the fruity flavor.
Swirled with Strawberry Sauce
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some homemade or store-bought strawberry sauce over the top. The bright, vibrant color will make your dessert even more tempting.
In a Waffle Cone
Serve the ice cream in a crispy waffle cone for a fun, classic way to enjoy it. The combination of the crunchy cone and creamy ice cream is always a winner.
With Crushed Graham Crackers
To give your strawberry cheesecake ice cream an authentic cheesecake experience, sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top or mix them into the ice cream. This adds the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
As a Parfait
Layer the ice cream with whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, and extra strawberries in a glass or mason jar to create a beautiful and tasty parfait.
Conclusion
Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is the ultimate frozen treat for anyone who loves the combination of rich, creamy cheesecake and the sweet, tart flavor of strawberries.
With its creamy texture, tangy notes from the cream cheese, and the occasional crunch from graham crackers, this dessert is sure to impress. Making it at home is easier than you think, and the result is a perfect indulgence for summer days or whenever you’re craving something sweet.
By following the simple steps and using fresh ingredients, you’ll create an ice cream that’s both decadent and refreshing, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen strawberries can work, but fresh strawberries will give the ice cream a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them first to achieve the best results.
2. Can I make strawberry cheesecake ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can! To make it without an ice cream maker, simply freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, and every 30 minutes, stir it with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. How long will the strawberry cheesecake ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream should last about 2 to 3 weeks in the freezer if stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for the best texture.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese or milk to make this lighter?
You can substitute low-fat cream cheese or milk to reduce the richness of the ice cream, but keep in mind that it may change the texture and flavor. The ice cream may be less creamy but still delicious.
5. How can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, the heavy cream with coconut cream, and the milk with almond or oat milk. Just make sure to check the labels for dairy-free alternatives!
Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Blender or Food Processor (for pureeing the strawberries)
- 1 Hand or Stand Mixer (for beating the cream cheese)
- 1 Medium Saucepan (for cooking the strawberries)
- 1 Ice Cream Maker (optional, for churning)
- 1 Airtight Container (for freezing the ice cream)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 8 oz Cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup Sugar for the strawberries
- 1/2 cup Crushed graham crackers optional, for crunch
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:
- Wash and slice the strawberries. Add them to a saucepan with 1/4 cup sugar and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Once done, transfer the strawberries to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Let the mixture cool.
Make the Cheesecake Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup of sugar using a hand or stand mixer until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and whole milk, mixing until fully combined. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir gently until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Combine the Mixtures:
- Once both the cheesecake base and strawberry puree are cool, fold the strawberry puree into the cheesecake mixture. Be sure to leave some strawberry swirls for a marbled effect.
Churn the Ice Cream:
- If using an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20-25 minutes). If making without an ice cream maker, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for the first few hours.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the ice cream reaches your desired consistency, scoop it into bowls or cones. For extra flavor, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or top with fresh berries.
Notes
- Stir Often Without an Ice Cream Maker: If you’re making the ice cream without an ice cream maker, it’s important to stir the mixture every 30 minutes while it’s freezing to keep the texture smooth and prevent ice crystals.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the strawberry mixture before combining with the cheesecake base, and adjust the sweetness if needed based on the ripeness of your strawberries.
- Graham Cracker Crunch: Add crushed graham crackers after churning the ice cream for a classic cheesecake crust crunch, or sprinkle them on top when serving.
