Name: Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries; ½ cup strawberry preserves or jam; 6 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¾ cup crushed graham crackers; ¼ teaspoon salt

Indulging in the creamy and luscious delight of Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is the ideal way to elevate your dessert game. This rich frozen treat captures the essence of summer with its fresh strawberries, velvety cream, and crunchy graham cracker swirls. Whether you are hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, this ice cream promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. The delightful combination of flavors and textures makes this dessert truly irresistible.

Making your own ice cream might seem like a daunting task, but this Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream recipe proves that it can be simple and gratifying. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a creamy masterpiece that rivals any store-bought option. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can enjoy it on its own or use it as a topping for cakes and pies. In addition, it’s a great way to use fresh strawberries during their peak season.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Decadent Flavor: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the sweetness of strawberries and the tang of cream cheese.
Easy to Make: This dessert requires only simple ingredients and a few easy steps.
Perfect for Everyone: Suitable for vegetarians, it’s an excellent choice for parties and gatherings.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding different fruits or toppings!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into making your Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for a smooth cooking experience. Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out in advance. This will save time and ensure that you don’t miss any components. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk or electric mixer, and an ice cream maker for this recipe. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry; you can still make delicious ice cream using the freezer method, which involves mixing the ingredients in a bowl and freezing them in intervals.

Make sure to have an airtight container ready for storing your ice cream once it’s churned. This will help keep it fresh and free from ice crystals. Lastly, it’s advisable to chill your ice cream maker’s bowl for at least 24 hours before using it to ensure a creamy texture.

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
½ cup strawberry preserves or jam
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¾ cup crushed graham crackers
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Cheese

Begin by placing the softened cream cheese into a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the cream cheese together with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and fluffy texture that serves as the base for your ice cream. Incorporating the lemon juice not only adds a bright flavor but also helps balance the sweetness of the sugar.

Step 2: Combine the Base

Slowly introduce the whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt into the cream cheese mixture. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. The milk adds creaminess, while the vanilla extract infuses the mixture with a delightful fragrance. Be sure to mix thoroughly to ensure a cohesive flavor profile.

Step 3: Fold in the Cream

Gently fold in the heavy cream using a spatula. This step is vital; it adds the luscious creaminess we associate with ice cream. The goal here is to keep as much air in the mixture as possible for a light texture. Avoid over-mixing as this can lead to a denser result.

Step 4: Churn the Mixture

Pour the creamy mixture into your pre-chilled ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Churning helps to incorporate air into the ice cream, creating a soft and smooth consistency.

Step 5: Add Strawberries and Graham Crackers

While your ice cream is churning, take a fork and lightly mash the fresh chopped strawberries in a separate bowl. Mix in the strawberry preserves. This will create a lovely ripple of fresh strawberry flavor throughout your ice cream. In the final 5 minutes of churning, add the strawberry mixture and crushed graham crackers into the ice cream maker for a delightful crunch and fruity flavor.

Step 6: Freeze

Once the ice cream is well-mixed and churned, transfer it into an airtight container. Spread it out evenly to avoid air pockets. Seal the container tightly and let your ice cream freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm. The longer it freezes, the more solid and scoopable it will become.

Variations

Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the base for an extra nutritional boost.
Vegetables: For a unique twist, incorporate grated zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
Spices: Infuse with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor profile, especially during cooler months.

Cooking Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing.
To soften cream cheese quickly, microwave it in 10-second increments until soft, making sure not to melt it.
If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the sugar to your taste.
Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container; it’s best enjoyed within a few weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Top each scoop with additional fresh strawberries for a vibrant presentation.
Serve alongside warm pie or cheesecake slices for a delicious dessert platter.

Tips

For creamier ice cream, use full-fat dairy products.
Don’t skip the chilling step for your ice cream maker; this is crucial for the desired texture.
Add the crushed graham crackers at the end to maintain their crunchiness.
Experiment with different types of preserves, such as raspberry or blueberry, for unique flavors.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (churning)
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I make this Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes! To make it without an ice cream maker, simply mix the ingredients and pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Stir it every 30 minutes for the first few hours, then let it freeze fully.

How do I make this ice cream vegan?

Substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives such as cashew cream and coconut cream. Ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly as well.

How long can I store this ice cream?

Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within two weeks but can last up to a month if stored properly in an airtight container.

What can I substitute for graham crackers?

You can use crushed digestive biscuits, shortbread, or even chocolate wafer crumbs for an alternative texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy and delight to any occasion. The delightful combination of fresh strawberries, rich cream cheese, and crunchy graham crackers creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying a scoop on a hot summer day or serving it at a family gathering, this homemade ice cream is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and toppings to personalize your experience. If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, variations, or tips in the comments below!