Homemade ice cream doesn’t have to be complicated. This strawberry cheesecake ice cream combines everything you love about a classic New York cheesecake with the creamy indulgence of fresh ice cream. With its rich cream cheese base, swirls of sweet strawberries, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, it’s the ultimate summer dessert that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a no-bake treat, or just craving something refreshing and decadent, this recipe delivers.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No ice cream maker needed (but instructions included for both methods).
- Real ingredients → fresh strawberries, cream cheese, heavy cream.
- Customizable → dairy-free, keto, or vegan options available.
- Perfect texture → creamy, rich, and never icy.
- Restaurant-worthy flavor → strawberry swirl + cheesecake chunks + graham cracker crunch.
🥛 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the base recipe for about 6 servings (1.5 quarts):
For the Strawberry Swirl
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled)
- ¼ cup sugar (or honey/maple syrup for natural sweetener)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, full-fat recommended)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk for vegan)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Crunch Layer
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free biscuits for alternative)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Swirl
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until the strawberries soften and release juices.
- Mash lightly with a fork, then simmer until slightly thickened.
- Cool completely before using.
Pro Tip: Roast strawberries in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes before cooking to intensify flavor.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crunch
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 minutes (optional but enhances crunch).
- Let cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—gentle folding keeps the texture light and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Ice Cream
- Pour half of the cheesecake base into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container.
- Add dollops of strawberry sauce and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs. Swirl lightly with a knife.
- Repeat with remaining mixture, sauce, and crumbs.
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Scoop into bowls or cones, garnish with extra strawberries and crumbs, and enjoy the ultimate homemade ice cream!
💡 Variations & Customizations
- No-Churn Method → Use recipe above (freezer set).
- Ice Cream Maker Method → Chill cheesecake base, churn, then fold in strawberry swirl and crumbs at the end.
- Keto/Low-Carb → Use monk fruit or erythritol + keto-friendly cookies.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan → Swap cream cheese with vegan cream cheese + coconut cream.
- Fruit Swaps → Try raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or mango.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Layer in jars for a mini ice cream cheesecake parfait.
- Serve with fresh strawberry sauce drizzle.
- Use as a filling for ice cream cake.
- Pair with chocolate brownies or waffles.
❓ FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q1: Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! This recipe is specifically designed for a no-churn method—just freeze the mixture overnight.
Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely. Just thaw them first and cook as directed.
Q3: How do I keep homemade ice cream from turning icy?
The sweetened condensed milk + whipped cream combination keeps the texture creamy. Make sure you cover tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Q4: How long does it last in the freezer?
Best enjoyed within 2 weeks for peak creaminess.
Q5: Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes, substitute with a sugar alternative like monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 340
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 21g
- Sugar: 25g
(Values vary depending on ingredient substitutions.)
📝 Final Thoughts
This strawberry cheesecake ice cream is everything you crave in a summer dessert—rich, creamy, fruity, and perfectly indulgent. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can whip it up at home without fancy equipment.
Whether you make it for a summer gathering, a birthday, or just a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to impress. So grab those strawberries and let’s turn your kitchen into a gourmet ice cream shop!
