Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is a delicious treat that combines the creamy taste of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries. This smooth and rich ice cream also has crunchy graham cracker bits, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys a mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it at home or buying it from the store, strawberry cheesecake ice cream is a great choice for a sweet and tangy dessert.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about strawberry cheesecake ice cream, including the ingredients, how to make it, and different ways to change it up. Whether you’ve made ice cream before or you’re trying it for the first time, this guide will help you create a yummy dessert that everyone will love.
Introduction to Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Among all the ice cream flavors you can find, strawberry cheesecake ice cream stands out for its mix of rich cream cheese, sweet strawberries, and crunchy graham crackers. This flavor brings together two favorite desserts: strawberry ice cream and cheesecake. The creamy base has real cream cheese for a tangy, smooth flavor, while roasted strawberries add natural sweetness. The graham cracker pieces add a crunch, like the crust of a cheesecake.
If you enjoy both cheesecake and ice cream, strawberry cheesecake ice cream is the perfect treat for you. To learn more about the history of cheesecake, check out this cheesecake guide on Wikipedia.
Key Ingredients of Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
The wonderful flavor of strawberry cheesecake ice cream comes from a few key ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are the heart of this ice cream, adding a fruity taste and bright color. You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries, but fresh ones usually taste better. To bring out their natural sweetness, roast the strawberries before mixing them into the ice cream. Roasting helps caramelize the sugars and makes the strawberries softer and more flavorful.
Here’s how to roast strawberries:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F.
- Hull and quarter about 1 quart of fresh strawberries.
- Toss them with ¼ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
- Spread the strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for about 30 minutes, until soft and slightly caramelized.
Although balsamic vinegar might seem like a strange addition, it enhances the strawberries’ sweetness and adds a slight tang. After roasting, mash the strawberries and chill them before adding them to the ice cream. This step helps keep the strawberries from freezing into hard pieces.
If you like strawberries in desserts, you might enjoy this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake for another way to use them.
2. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is what gives this ice cream its cheesecake flavor. It adds a rich and tangy taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the strawberries and the creamy texture of the ice cream. For the best results, use full-fat cream cheese because it makes the ice cream smooth and thick.
Before blending the cream cheese with the other ingredients, make sure it’s softened. This prevents lumps and helps it mix evenly into the ice cream base. Cream cheese also balances the sweetness of the strawberries and cream, making the ice cream more complex and flavorful.
3. Whole Milk & Heavy Cream
To get a rich and creamy texture, you’ll need to use both whole milk and heavy cream. Whole milk gives the ice cream some body, while heavy cream adds fat, making it soft and creamy. These ingredients also prevent ice crystals from forming, keeping the ice cream smooth.
Homemade ice cream made with whole milk and heavy cream tastes much better than store-bought ice cream, which often uses thickeners or stabilizers. For the best results, avoid using low-fat milk or cream, as they won’t give the same creamy texture.
4. Sugar and Corn Syrup
Sugar sweetens the ice cream and balances the tang of the cream cheese. You can also add a small amount of corn syrup, which helps stop ice crystals from forming and keeps the ice cream softer. Corn syrup also makes the ice cream easier to scoop after it’s been in the freezer.
You can omit the corn syrup if you’d rather not to use it. You can also try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
5. Graham Crackers
Graham crackers add a crunchy texture and bring the cheesecake feel to the ice cream. Crush the graham crackers and mix them in toward the end of the churning process so they stay crunchy. This gives the ice cream a satisfying texture contrast.
Some people like to toast the graham crackers before adding them, which gives them a stronger flavor. However, this step is optional.
6. Optional Ingredients: Lemon Juice and Balsamic Vinegar
A little lemon juice and balsamic vinegar can brighten up the flavors in your ice cream. Lemon juice adds a hint of tartness, balancing the sweetness and richness of the cream. Balsamic vinegar enhances the roasted strawberries’ natural sweetness, making them taste even better.
For more simple and tasty dessert ideas, check out this Banana Bread Recipe. It’s a quick and easy treat that pairs perfectly with homemade ice cream.
How Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is Made
Now that you know the ingredients, let’s go over how to make strawberry cheesecake ice cream step by step. Even if this is your first time making ice cream, this method is easy to follow.
1. Prepare the Strawberries
First, roast the strawberries to bring out their flavor:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Toss 1 quart of strawberries with ¼ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
- Roast the strawberries for about 30 minutes, then mash and chill them.
Roasting makes the strawberries sweeter and reduces their water content, which keeps the ice cream from becoming icy.
2. Make the Cheesecake Base
Next, make the base for your ice cream. Here’s how:
- In a blender or food processor, combine 6 ounces of softened cream cheese, ¾ cup of whole milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of corn syrup (optional).
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Once blended, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so it’s cold enough for churning.
3. Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled base into an ice cream maker and churn it according to the machine’s instructions. When the ice cream thickens, gently fold in the roasted strawberries and crumbled graham crackers.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make strawberry cheesecake ice cream using a no-churn method. Whip 1 cup of heavy cream and fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Then, gently fold in the roasted strawberries and graham crackers, and freeze for 4-6 hours. While this method works well, the texture may not be as creamy as it would be with an ice cream maker. You can find a step-by-step guide for no-churn ice cream here.
4. Freezing and Serving
After churning, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze it for at least 2 hours to let the flavors set. For the best texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
One of the best parts about making homemade ice cream is that you can easily change up the recipe. Here are a few popular ways to switch up strawberry cheesecake ice cream:
Dairy-Free Option
To make a dairy-free version, replace the whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese. Coconut milk keeps the ice cream creamy, while the dairy-free cream cheese gives that tangy cheesecake flavor.
Low-Sugar or Keto-Friendly Version
For a low-sugar or keto-friendly version, replace the sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You can also use keto-friendly graham crackers or skip them.
Fruit Swaps
If you want to try something new, swap out the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Roast these fruits just like you would the strawberries to bring out their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is already delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better:
- Top it with fresh berries or chocolate sauce for a fancy dessert.
- Serve it with a slice of real cheesecake for an extra indulgent treat.
- Make ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop between two graham crackers or cookies.
FAQs About Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Here are some common questions people ask about making strawberry cheesecake ice cream:
- Is strawberry cheesecake ice cream gluten-free?
- It can be if you use gluten-free graham crackers. Most store-bought graham crackers contain gluten, but gluten-free versions are available.
- Can I use low-fat ingredients?
- Yes, but low-fat cream cheese or milk will make the ice cream less rich and creamy. Full-fat ingredients are best for the best texture.
- How long does homemade ice cream last?
- Homemade ice cream lasts up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. For the best texture, it’s best to eat it within the first week.
- Is it possible to prepare this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
- Yes! You can whip heavy cream and fold it into the cream cheese base, then freeze. While it works, the texture may not be as smooth as it would be with an ice cream maker.
- What’s the best way to store homemade ice cream?
- Store it in an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to keep ice crystals from forming.
Conclusion: A Perfect Mix of Cheesecake and Ice Cream
Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is a sweet and tangy dessert that blends the best of both cheesecake and ice cream. Making it at home lets you control the ingredients and try different variations, like dairy-free or low-sugar options. With roasted strawberries, a creamy cheesecake base, and crunchy graham crackers, this ice cream is sure to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to check out more the origins of cheesecake itself, check out this Cheesecake guide .Enjoy!