When the sun is shining and the days are long, nothing beats the refreshing taste of homemade ice cream. Among the endless flavors, Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream stands out as a creamy, fruity, and indulgent dessert that combines the tang of cream cheese, the sweetness of strawberries, and the crunch of graham crackers. This guide will walk you through the perfect recipe, pro tips, variations, and everything you need to know to make it at home—whether you own an ice cream maker or not.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Combines the richness of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries
✔️ Easy to make with or without an ice cream machine
✔️ Customizable—make it light, vegan, or sugar-free
✔️ Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or an anytime indulgence
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream (for creamy texture)
- 1 cup whole milk (balances richness)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (classic cheesecake tang)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup for natural sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (enhances flavor)
- Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)
Strawberry Swirl:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled & chopped
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to sweetness of berries)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (brightens flavor)
Cheesecake Crumble:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberry Swirl
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until soft and syrupy.
- Mash lightly with a fork and let cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Crumble
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar.
- Spread on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Let cool completely.
3. Create the Ice Cream Base
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Whisk until fully combined and creamy.
4. Churn (or No-Churn Method)
- With Ice Cream Maker: Pour mixture into the machine and churn according to instructions.
- Without Ice Cream Maker: Pour mixture into a freezer-safe container, freeze for 1 hour, whisk, and repeat 3–4 times for creaminess.
5. Assemble
- Layer churned ice cream with strawberry swirl and cheesecake crumble in a loaf pan.
- Use a knife to gently swirl without overmixing.
- Freeze for 4–6 hours until firm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill all ingredients before mixing for smoother texture.
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for natural flavor.
- Add graham cracker crumble just before the final freeze to keep it crunchy.
- For extra richness, fold in chunks of actual cheesecake!
Variations You’ll Love
- No-Bake Style: Swirl in a no-bake cheesecake filling for creamier bites.
- Vegan Version: Replace dairy with coconut cream, almond milk, and vegan cream cheese.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol instead of sugar.
- Party Treats: Freeze in popsicle molds or use between cookies for ice cream sandwiches.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. ½ cup)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 22g
Serving & Storage
- Serve in waffle cones, glass cups, or mason jars topped with extra strawberry sauce.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks (press parchment paper on top to prevent ice crystals).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this without an ice cream machine?
Yes! Use the no-churn method: freeze, whisk, and repeat. It’s just as creamy.
Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw them first and cook down for the swirl.
Q3: How do I prevent ice crystals?
Use full-fat cream and press parchment paper directly onto the surface before freezing.
Q4: What’s the best cream cheese for ice cream?
Full-fat cream cheese works best for flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of summer flavors. Creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy, it’s everything you want in a frozen treat. With endless variations and simple steps, you’ll be making this indulgence on repeat. Whether for family nights, parties, or just cooling down on a hot day, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
👉 Try it once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought ice cream!
