Nothing beats the combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries—except when you turn it into homemade ice cream! This Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is rich, velvety, and packed with real fruit and buttery graham cracker swirls. Perfect for summer days, family gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence, this no-churn recipe (or churned if you prefer) brings a decadent dessert straight from your kitchen to your spoon.
Ready to make the best homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream? Let’s dive in!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 6-8
🍓 Ingredients
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
For the Graham Cracker Crumble:
- ¾ cup (90g) crushed graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Possible Substitutions:
- Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available.
- Swap graham crackers for digestive biscuits.
- Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Strawberry Swirl
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down into a jam-like consistency.
- Let cool completely before using.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whipping until smooth.
3️⃣ Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumble
- In a small bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and brown sugar.
- Stir until evenly coated and set aside.
4️⃣ Assemble the Ice Cream
- Pour half of the ice cream base into a freezer-safe container.
- Spoon half of the strawberry swirl and half of the graham cracker crumble over the base.
- Repeat with the remaining ice cream, swirl, and crumble.
- Use a knife to gently swirl everything together.
5️⃣ Freeze & Serve
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
- Serve and enjoy!
🍨 Expert Tips & Variations
💡 Pro Tip: For a smoother texture, blend the strawberry swirl before adding it to the ice cream.
💡 Churned Option: If you have an ice cream maker, churn the cheesecake base before layering with the strawberry and graham cracker mix for an even creamier result.
💡 Fun Variations:
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Drizzle caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
- Mix in crushed Oreos instead of graham crackers for a twist.
🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 28g
Dietary Labels: Contains dairy & gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating (Softening):
- Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! This recipe is designed to be no-churn, meaning you don’t need an ice cream machine. Just mix, layer, freeze, and enjoy!
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just let them thaw slightly before cooking to release their natural sweetness.
3. How do I prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream?
For the creamiest texture, ensure your ingredients are well-mixed and cover the ice cream with plastic wrap before freezing.
4. What other fruits can I use?
Try blueberries, raspberries, or mango for a fruity twist!
🍓 Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is the perfect summer treat—creamy, fruity, and rich with a crunchy graham cracker swirl. Whether you’re making it for a party or just for yourself, this homemade ice cream is guaranteed to impress.
Try this recipe today and let us know in the comments how it turned out! 🍦💖