Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe: Easy, Creamy & Perfect for Summer

If there’s one dessert that always brings a smile to my face, it’s strawberry cheesecake ice cream recipe. Just saying it out loud makes me think of sunny afternoons, melting scoops, and that dreamy combo of tangy cream cheese and sweet, juicy strawberries. This recipe is like a frozen version of your favorite cheesecake, but with a refreshing twist that’s perfect for warm weather or, let’s be honest, any day you need a little treat. Whether you’re hosting friends, cooling off after dinner, or simply craving something special, this ice cream is a creamy, fruity delight you’ll want to keep stocked in your freezer.

Why This Recipe Works (and Why You’ll Love It!)

• Balanced flavor profile: sweet cream cheese and tangy strawberries pair beautifully for a rich yet refreshing taste.
• Double texture delight: smooth custard base meets tender strawberry chunks, heaven for your palate.
• Easy customization: switch to lactose-free cream cheese or non-dairy milk for a gluten-free, lower-lactose option.
• Perfect for making ahead: prep in advance and freeze, the ideal fuss-free dessert.
• Homemade beats store-bought: control the sweetness, add fresh berries, or swirl in graham cracker crumbs.

This is your go-to for a simple, charming summer dessert, weekend brunch treat, or a fancy ending to a dinner party.

How to Make it

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertDifficulty: Medium

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

4

hours 

Calories

300

kcal

Velvety cheesecake-flavored ice cream swirled with fresh strawberries and optional graham crumbs.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

• 0.5 cup granulated sugar, divided

• 1 cup cream cheese (about 8 oz), softened

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 0.5 cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Pinch salt

• 0.5 cup crushed graham crackers (optional, for that cheesecake crust texture)

Directions

• Prepare the strawberries (~10 minutes): Toss strawberries with half the sugar. Let them macerate at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Mash half of them lightly, leaving chunks for texture.
• Make the creamy base (~7 minutes): In a bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth. Blend in heavy cream, milk, remaining sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
• Combine and chill (~5 minutes + 2 hours chilling): Stir in macerated strawberries (chunks and juice). Cover and chill mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
• Churn the ice cream (~20 minutes): Pour into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer directions, usually 20 minutes.
• Optional graham swirl (~5 minutes + freeze time): Layer half the churned ice cream in a container, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, add the rest, top with more crumbs. Freeze for 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

• For best flavor, chill the base overnight before churning.
• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for natural sweetness.
• Add 1 tbsp vodka to keep the ice cream scoopable.

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Pro Tips for Ice Cream Joy

Making homemade ice cream is way easier (and more fun) than it sounds, but a few little tricks can really take your Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Dream Recipe to the next level. Here are some of my go-to tips that guarantee creamy, flavorful scoops every time:

• Start cold: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters, it helps whip more air into the cream for a lighter, fluffier texture.
• Don’t skip chilling the base: Letting it rest in the fridge overnight deepens the flavor and gives you a smoother consistency.
• Use ripe strawberries: Fresh, sweet berries mean more natural flavor and less need for added sugar.
• Add a splash of alcohol: Just 1 tablespoon of vodka can help keep the ice cream soft and scoopable straight from the freezer.
• Lighten it up: Swap in low-fat milk or a natural sweetener like honey if you want a slightly healthier version.

Fun Ways to Switch Up the Recipe

Once you’ve mastered the base, it’s so much fun to get creative with your Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Dream Recipe. Whether you’re aiming for something dairy-free, fruity, or even chocolatey, these variations will keep your ice cream game exciting:

• Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream: Use coconut cream, almond milk, and dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based version that’s still super creamy.
• Low-Sugar Version: Replace part (or all) of the sugar with erythritol, monk fruit, or another sugar alternative to reduce the sweetness without sacrificing taste.
• Berry Medley Cheesecake: Swap in a mix of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries along with the strawberries for a juicy, colorful twist.
• Chocolate-Strawberry Cheesecake: Fold in mini dark chocolate chunks during the last few minutes of churning for a little chocolate surprise in every bite.
• Mini Cheesecake Bites Swirl: Add frozen mini cheesecake bites and gently swirl them in after churning for little pockets of creamy delight.

FAQs About Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Dream Recipe

Let’s Keep the Sweetness Going!

And there you have it, your very own Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Dream Recipe! I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Whether you’re sharing scoops with friends or sneaking a bite straight from the freezer (we’ve all done it!), this treat is sure to become a favorite. If you’re as obsessed with strawberries and sweets as I am, you might also love these:

• Craving more frozen fun? Try this super fruity Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe.
• If you love easy no-bake desserts, don’t miss the creamy Cherry Cheesecake Recipe (No-Bake).
• Want to keep strawberry season going strong? Make a batch of Strawberry Preserves or this quick and easy Strawberry Freezer Jam.
• For something chewy and chocolatey, you’ve got to try the Almond Joy Cookie Recipe.

Give them a try and let me know which one’s your favorite!