Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries with this delightful homemade ice cream recipe. Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is a luscious treat that combines the rich, tangy flavors of cheesecake with the freshness of ripe strawberries. Ideal for warm summer days or as a comforting dessert year-round, this ice cream is sure to impress family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a smooth and decadent dessert that captures the essence of classic strawberry cheesecake in every scoop. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Swirl:
- In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, you can mash the strawberries slightly for a smoother consistency or leave them chunky, depending on your preference. Set aside.
- Make the Ice Cream Base:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk for this step.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Cover the ice cream base and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled. This helps enhance the flavors and texture.
- Churn the Ice Cream:
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Layer the Ice Cream:
- In a freezer-safe container, layer the churned ice cream with the strawberry swirl. You can swirl it together lightly with a spoon or leave it in distinct layers for a marbled effect.
- Freeze:
- Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve:
- Scoop the strawberry cheesecake ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy! It’s fantastic on its own or served with fresh strawberries on top.
Tips
- For an extra touch, consider adding graham cracker crumbs to the mixture or as a topping for that classic cheesecake crunch.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow dish, freeze it, and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
