Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 740 min
Ingredients: 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk; 4 ounce cream cheese (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; 2 cups heavy cream (cold); 2 cups strawberries; 6 sheets graham crackers

Introduction to Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Making your own strawberry cheesecake ice cream is not just a fun kitchen project—it’s a gateway to endless flavor possibilities and nostalgic memories. Remember those hot summer days spent chasing the ice cream truck or gathering around a bowl of creamy delight? With this homemade version, you can recreate those moments. This recipe combines the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake with the sweet, tangy notes of fresh strawberries, making each bite a treat to savor.

Why You’ll Love Making Your Own Ice Cream

Customization: You control the ingredients, so you can tweak the sweetness, add your favorite mix-ins, or go dairy-free with alternatives. Are you a chocolate lover? Toss in some mini chocolate chips!
Quality: Store-bought ice creams often contain fillers and preservatives. By making your own, you ensure each scoop is packed with wholesome goodness and real fruit.
Fun and Relaxing: The act of creating something from scratch can be therapeutic. Gather your friends or family for an ice cream-making session and bond over delicious tastes.

The pleasure of enjoying your personalized strawberry cheesecake ice cream is unparalleled. You can find more tips on homemade ice cream at Food Network and Bon Appétit. Get ready to indulge!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Creating a delightful strawberry cheesecake ice cream starts with some essential ingredients for the ice cream base. Here’s what you need:

Essential Ingredients for the Ice Cream Base

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This 14-ounce can provides the perfect creamy sweetness and acts as the foundation of your ice cream.
Cream Cheese: Four ounces of room-temperature cream cheese adds that signature cheesecake tang and richness.
Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons enhance the overall flavor profile, making each scoop irresistible.
Pinch of Salt: A small addition that amplifies sweetness and balances flavors.
Heavy Cream: Cold, 2 cups of this luxurious ingredient help create that rich, creamy texture we love.

Fresh Additions to Enhance Flavor

To elevate your strawberry cheesecake ice cream even further, consider these fresh ingredients:

Strawberries: Use 2 cups — one for pureeing and one for dicing. Fresh strawberries burst with natural sweetness and flavor!
Graham Crackers: About six sheets, crushed, provide that classic cheesecake crust experience, adding delightful texture.

For more tips on selecting the best strawberries, check out this article from the California Strawberry Commission!

These simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Are you ready to indulge?

Step-by-step preparation of Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Creating your own strawberry cheesecake ice cream at home is not only satisfying but also incredibly simple! Follow these straightforward steps, and soon enough, you'll have a creamy, dreamy dessert perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings on the patio.

Whip up the cream cheese base

Start by getting all your ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the mixture until it's smooth and creamy—this base is the heart of your ice cream! The cream cheese adds that rich cheesecake flavor, while the sweetened condensed milk contributes a lovely sweetness. Once mixed, set this delicious base aside for later.

Prepare the whipped cream

Next up is the whipped cream! Take 2 cups of cold heavy cream and beat it in a medium bowl with a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer) until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial, as a well-whipped heavy cream will give your strawberry cheesecake ice cream its fluffy, airy texture. Remember, keep your cream cold until you’re ready to whip it; this will make the process much easier! If you whip it a bit too long, the texture can get gritty, so be cautious.

Combine the mixtures for a creamy delight

Now it’s time to combine the two mixtures. Gently fold about a quarter of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This technique lightens the cream cheese base, making it easier to fold in the remaining whipped cream. Once incorporated, add the rest of the whipped cream and fold gently until you have a beautifully combined mixture. This is where the magic begins!

Add the strawberry goodness

Here's where you can really customize your ice cream. First, take 2 cups of strawberries—blend one cup until smooth and dice the other cup into small pieces. You’ll also want to crush 6 sheets of graham crackers for that classic cheesecake crunch. Stir the blended strawberries, most of the diced strawberries, and the crushed graham crackers into your whipped cream mixture until everything is well incorporated. Don't forget to save some strawberries and graham crackers for topping!

Freeze and set for perfect texture

Pour your combined mixture into a suitable dish (a bread pan works wonderfully!) and sprinkle the reserved diced strawberries and crushed graham crackers on top for that extra flair. Cover and freeze the dish for at least 8 hours, or if possible, overnight for the best flavor and texture. When you’re ready to serve, take the ice cream out and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping. You’ll be rewarded with a delightful treat that perfectly captures summer, making every bite utterly irresistible!

For tips on selecting fresh strawberries, check out the comprehensive guide on fresh strawberries from The Spruce Eats. Enjoy your homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream!

Variations on Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Elevate your strawberry cheesecake ice cream by introducing a delightful chocolate twist. Simply melt some high-quality chocolate and swirl it into your cream cheese base along with the strawberry puree. The rich chocolate complements the fruity tartness, creating a decadent dessert perfect for chocolate lovers. Garnish with chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Craving a dairy-free option? Try this vegan strawberry cheesecake ice cream using coconut milk and cashews blended smoothly for a rich texture. Substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or soaked cashews to achieve that creamy consistency. Blend in fresh strawberries and similar graham cracker crumbs for your favorite cheesecake flavor without the dairy. This variation is just as delicious and equally satisfying!

Cooking tips and notes for Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Avoiding common pitfalls while making your ice cream

Crafting the perfect strawberry cheesecake ice cream can be a delightful adventure, but there are a few pitfalls to avoid. First, be cautious not to over whip the heavy cream; you want to achieve stiff peaks without any graininess. Also, ensure the strawberries you use are fresh and ripe for the best flavor. If your puree is too watery, it may make your ice cream texture icy—blend the strawberries just until smooth.

Keeping your ingredients at the right temperature

Consistency is key. Keep your cream cheese and heavy cream cold until you're ready to use them. This helps in creating that rich, creamy texture we all love. When folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, do so gently to maintain the airiness. Make sure your ice cream mixture is well refrigerated before adding any chunks or swirls to ensure the best combination of flavors and textures. For more tips, check out this guide on making homemade ice cream.

Serving suggestions for Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Toppings to elevate your dessert

Transform your strawberry cheesecake ice cream into an unforgettable treat by adding delightful toppings. Here are some ideas:

Fresh Strawberries: A few slices on top add color and an extra burst of flavor.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers for a satisfying crunch.
Whipped Cream: A dollop adds richness and a classic touch.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce for a sweet contrast.

Best pairings to serve alongside

For an effortlessly charming dessert experience, pair your strawberry cheesecake ice cream with light snacks or beverages. Consider:

Shortbread Cookies: Their buttery flavor complements the creaminess of the ice cream.
Mint Tea: A refreshing herbal tea balances the dessert's sweetness beautifully.
Fresh Fruit Salad: The brightness of mixed fruits harmonizes with the cheesecake flavor.
Coffee: A warm cup of coffee can enhance the flavors, perfect for after-dinner enjoyment.

These serving suggestions will take your strawberry cheesecake ice cream to the next level, making it a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering!

Time breakdown for Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Preparation time: 20 minutes
This initial step is all about gathering your ingredients and whipping up that creamy base. Don’t rush it—take your time to enjoy the process and get everything just right!

Freezing time: 12 hours
The real magic happens here! Ideally, you’ll want to let your strawberry cheesecake ice cream sit overnight to develop its rich flavors and creamy texture.

Total time: 12 hours 20 minutes
In just over 12 hours, you can go from mixing ingredients to enjoying a homemade dessert that will impress everyone. After all, a little patience brings great rewards, especially when it comes to dessert!

For more tasty tips, check out The Kitchn’s Tips on Ice Cream Making and enhance your dessert skills!

Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Calories per serving

Each serving of this delightful strawberry cheesecake ice cream packs approximately 342 calories. It’s a sweet treat that can still fit into your dessert plans without breaking the calorie bank!

Breakdown of key nutrients

Our creamy concoction doesn’t just taste great; it also delivers:

Carbohydrates: 35.2g
Protein: 5.1g
Fat: 20.8g (with 12g being saturated)
Cholesterol: 69mg
Sodium: 157mg

You’ll also find a good source of calcium, making it a delicious way to indulge while getting some nutrients! For a deeper understanding of nutrition in desserts, check out resources from the USDA Nutrition Database for more detailed insights.

When enjoying this strawberry cheesecake ice cream, remember that everything's good in moderation. So go ahead, scoop some up and savor the flavor!

FAQs about Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Can I use other fruits for the recipe?

Absolutely! While this strawberry cheesecake ice cream recipe highlights the delightful flavor of strawberries, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches can be wonderful alternatives. Just remember to adjust the sweetness slightly if you choose a fruit that’s less sweet than strawberries.

How to store leftover ice cream?

To maintain the creamy texture of your strawberry cheesecake ice cream, store it in an airtight container. It's best to press a layer of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the ice cream before sealing it to prevent ice crystals formation. This way, it should stay fresh for about two weeks in the freezer—good luck keeping it around that long!

What if I don’t have a mixer?

No mixer? No problem! You can whisk the ingredients by hand—just be prepared for a bit of a workout. Start with the cream cheese mixture until smooth, then vigorously whisk the cold heavy cream until it reaches stiff peaks. It may take longer, but it’s definitely doable!

For more tips and tricks, check out this guide on making ice cream without a mixer.

Conclusion on Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Indulging in strawberry cheesecake ice cream is a delightful way to celebrate warm days. Its creamy texture and fruity flavors are sure to impress your friends and family. With easy preparation and the option to customize with fresh ingredients, this recipe is bound to become a summer favorite!