Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is a tasty mix of two favorite desserts: creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry ice cream. This treat combines the rich flavor of cheesecake with the fresh taste of strawberries. Whether you love ice cream or cheesecake, this homemade dessert will quickly become a favorite. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make strawberry cheesecake ice cream from scratch. It’s easy, fun, and delicious!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Ice cream is a favorite treat for many people. When you add the flavors of strawberry cheesecake, it gets even better. The creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and crunchy graham crackers create a blend of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.
Control the Ingredients
When you make strawberry cheesecake ice cream at home, you get to pick the ingredients. This means you can use fresh, natural items without any extra additives or preservatives.
Try New Flavors
Making ice cream at home also lets you try out different flavors. You can make it sweeter, add more strawberries, or even swirl in some homemade strawberry jam for extra flavor. You can also try different types of cheesecake, like New York-style or a lighter, whipped version.
What You’ll Need
To make this tasty dessert, you only need a few simple items:
- Cream Cheese: This is what gives the ice cream its cheesecake flavor. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: These help create a smooth and creamy ice cream. Heavy cream makes it rich, while milk keeps it light.
- Sugar: You’ll need sugar to sweeten the ice cream and the strawberry sauce.
- Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla brings out the flavors of the cream cheese and strawberries.
- Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and color.
- Lemon Juice: A bit of lemon juice balances the sweetness and boosts the strawberry flavor.
- Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers add crunch, just like in a cheesecake crust.
- Egg Yolks: These are optional but make the ice cream richer.
Making the Strawberry Sauce
First, you’ll make the strawberry sauce. This adds fresh strawberry flavor to your ice cream.
- Prep the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and cut them into small pieces. - Cook the Strawberries
In a pan, mix the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the strawberries break down and the mix thickens a bit. This takes about 10-15 minutes. - Cool the Sauce
Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool completely. For a smoother sauce, you can blend it.
Making the Ice Cream Base
While the strawberry sauce cools, you’ll make the cheesecake ice cream base.
- Mix the Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Slowly add the sugar and keep mixing until it’s well combined. - Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract. - Mix the Egg Yolks (Optional)
In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks (if using). Slowly add the milk while whisking. - Combine the Milk Mixture
Pour the milk mix into the cream cheese mix and whisk until smooth. - Heat the Cream
In a pan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and slowly whisk it into the cream cheese mix. - Thicken the Custard (Optional)
If you want a custard-based ice cream, put the mix back on the stove and cook over low heat, stirring all the time, until it thickens a little. Don’t let it boil. - Cool the Mixture
Once it’s thickened, take it off the heat and let it cool completely.
Churning the Ice Cream
When the ice cream base and strawberry sauce are cool, it’s time to churn the ice cream.
- Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. - Add Strawberry Sauce and Graham Crackers
In the last 5 minutes of churning, add the strawberry sauce and crushed graham crackers. This will give the ice cream a nice strawberry swirl and crunchy bits.
Freezing and Serving the Ice Cream
After churning, put the ice cream in an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
- Softening the Ice Cream
Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. - Serving Ideas
Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Tips for Making Great Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
- Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries
The quality of your strawberries affects the flavor. Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best taste. - Don’t Overcook the Custard
If you’re making custard, be careful not to overcook it. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but not too thick. - Chill Completely
Make sure the ice cream base and strawberry sauce are completely cool before churning. This helps the ice cream freeze properly. - Try New Flavors
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try new flavors. Add a swirl of strawberry jam or use other types of berries for a different twist.
Health Benefits of Homemade Ice Cream
While strawberry cheesecake ice cream is a treat, making it at home can be healthier. You control the ingredients, so you can avoid preservatives and too much sugar found in store-bought ice cream. Here are some benefits:
- Fresh Strawberries: Strawberries are full of vitamin C and antioxidants. They add sweetness and nutrients to the ice cream.
- Dairy: Cream and milk give you calcium, which is good for bones and teeth. Full-fat dairy also has important vitamins.
- Protein: Cream cheese and milk add protein, which helps with muscle repair.
- Control Over Sugar: You can adjust the sugar to your taste, making it healthier than store-bought versions.
Fun Ways to Serve Your Ice Cream
Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is great in many ways:
- Classic Cone or Bowl: Serve it simply in a cone or bowl. Add fresh strawberries or extra sauce for more flavor.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Make sandwiches by putting ice cream between two graham crackers.
- Sundae: Create a sundae with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and crushed graham crackers.
- Ice Cream Cake: Layer the ice cream between sponge cake for a fun dessert.
Storing Your Homemade Ice Cream
To keep your ice cream fresh, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Homemade ice cream is best within two weeks. To avoid ice crystals, press plastic wrap onto the surface before sealing the container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. But fresh ones taste better.
How can I make the ice cream softer?
Add a tablespoon of alcohol-free vanilla extract or corn syrup to the base to make the ice cream softer and easier to scoop.
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can. Freeze the mixture and stir it every 30 minutes until it reaches the right consistency.
Conclusion
Making strawberry cheesecake ice cream at home is a fun and rewarding experience. The result is a rich, creamy dessert full of flavor. With fresh ingredients and a little time, you can create a treat that’s better than anything from the store. Whether you enjoy it on a warm day or serve it as a special dessert, this homemade ice cream will impress everyone. So, gather your ingredients and start making your own strawberry cheesecake ice cream today!