This Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the creamy richness of full-fat cream cheese with the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries.
What makes this recipe truly appealing is its balance of indulgence and wholesome ingredients, offering a satisfying treat that’s both luxurious and approachable.
Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 high-speed blender
- 1 ice cream maker (2-quart capacity recommended)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh strawberries washed and hulled (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup liquid honey room temperature or 3/4 cup pure amber maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled waffle cones or graham crackers
- Freshly sliced or diced strawberries
Instructions
- Blend the Cream Base: In a high-powered blender, combine the softened cream cheese, half-and-half, and heavy cream. Blend on medium speed just until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Sweeten the Mixture: With the blender running on low speed, gradually drizzle in the honey or maple syrup. This slow addition helps prevent clumping and guarantees a perfectly blended, sweet base.
- Add Flavorful Fruits and Extras: Add the fresh strawberries, vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the blender. Pulse or blend on medium speed until the strawberries are fully pureed and the mixture is uniform in color and texture.
- Chill the Ice Cream Base: Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. This step is crucial to develop flavors and ensure the base is thoroughly chilled before freezing.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into a 2-quart ice cream maker. Freeze according to your machine’s instructions, usually about 20-30 minutes, until the texture thickens to a soft-serve consistency that holds on a spoon.
- Optional Firming Step: For a firmer ice cream, transfer the soft-serve into an airtight container and freeze for an additional 3 to 4 hours. This step is optional but recommended if you prefer a scoopable texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones. Garnish with crumbled waffle cones or graham crackers and fresh strawberries for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen berries can be used. Allow them to thaw completely, keeping any juices, then blend as directed. This will add extra strawberry flavor and natural sweetness.
- Sweetener Variations: Feel free to substitute honey or maple syrup with agave nectar or a sugar alternative to suit dietary needs. Adjust quantity to taste.
- Chilling Importance: Don’t skip the chilling step before freezing; it helps the ice cream churn properly and results in a creamier texture.
- Toppings Ideas: For added crunch, try crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or toasted coconut flakes alongside the suggested toppings.
- Nutritional Info: This recipe is rich in healthy fats and protein due to the cream cheese and dairy, providing a satisfying and indulgent treat without added artificial ingredients.
It’s rich in healthy fats from cream and cream cheese, which provide sustained energy and support for brain health.
With a good amount of protein (6g per serving) and fiber from the fresh strawberries, this ice cream is a bit more nourishing than your typical dessert.
The recipe is straightforward and quick, requiring just 15 minutes of active time plus chilling, making it perfect for everyday enjoyment or last-minute entertaining.
Plus, the use of honey or maple syrup offers a natural sweetness alternative to refined sugar.
This no-churn, blender-based method simplifies preparation, making it an excellent option for home cooks seeking a fast, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing dessert.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
High-Speed Blender
Essential for blending cream cheese, cream, and strawberries into a smooth, creamy base. This tool ensures even texture and flawless incorporation of ingredients, making it invaluable for sauces, smoothies, and soups.
Ice Cream Maker
The key to transforming the chilled mixture into creamy ice cream with a soft-serve texture. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for crafting homemade frozen treats with controlled ingredients and flavors.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical for accurately measuring liquids like half and half, heavy cream, honey, and flavorings to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Precision tools like these elevate the consistency of your cooking and baking.
Mixing Bowls
Ideal for chilling the blended mixture before freezing. Durable mixing bowls are versatile kitchen essentials, useful for everything from marinating to tossing salads.
Chef’s Secrets to Creamy Perfection
Achieving the perfect creamy texture in this strawberry cheesecake ice cream comes down to balancing your ingredients and the chilling process.
Start with full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream to ensure richness and smoothness.
Soften the cream cheese thoroughly before blending to avoid lumps and to help it incorporate evenly with the dairy.
Adding the honey or maple syrup slowly while blending prevents clumping and distributes sweetness uniformly.
Don’t rush the chilling step — refrigerate the mixture for several hours before churning.
This helps the flavors meld and creates a firmer base for freezing. If your strawberries are not very sweet, adding a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor, balancing the dessert beautifully.
Finally, avoid over-churning in your ice cream maker; stop when it reaches a soft-serve texture for the best creamy mouthfeel.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Enjoyment
This strawberry cheesecake ice cream shines when served simply, but you can elevate it with a few creative touches.
Pair it with crumbled waffle cones or graham crackers for delightful crunch and added flavor contrast.
Fresh strawberries, sliced or diced, add a burst of freshness and color on top.
For an indulgent treat, drizzle with a little chocolate sauce or a spoonful of berry compote.
It also pairs wonderfully with light, buttery shortbread cookies or almond biscotti for texture.
Serve in elegant dessert bowls or waffle cones for an impressive presentation that’s perfect for family gatherings or casual entertaining.
Storage Tips to Maintain Freshness
Proper storage is key to keeping your ice cream creamy and fresh. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container immediately after churning to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the lid to reduce freezer burn.
Store it in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within one week for optimal flavor and texture, although it can last up to two weeks if well sealed.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly. Just thaw them completely and retain the juices to add to the blender, which enhances the strawberry flavor naturally.
2. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
You can still make this ice cream by pouring the mixture into a shallow container and freezing. Stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it firms up, although texture won’t be as smooth.
3. Can I substitute dairy for non-dairy alternatives?
This recipe relies on the fat content of cream and cream cheese for texture. Using plant-based cream cheese and cream alternatives with similar fat content may work, but results can vary.
4. How sweet is this ice cream? Can I reduce sugar?
The sweetness is balanced, but you can reduce honey or syrup slightly if you prefer less sweet. Taste before freezing and adjust accordingly.
5. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! It uses wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners, making it a kid-friendly, homemade dessert without artificial additives.
