Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream—a rich, creamy blend of real strawberries, tangy cheesecake, and graham cracker swirls for the perfect indulgent treat!
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Recipe Background

Cheesecake dates back over 4,000 years to ancient Greece, where early versions of the dessert were made with honey and fresh cheese. When the Romans conquered Greece, they adopted the recipe and spread it across Europe. By the 18th and 19th centuries, cheesecake evolved into the rich, cream cheese-based dessert we know today, particularly in the United States.

The Evolution of Ice Cream and Cheesecake Fusion

Ice cream itself dates back to ancient China and Persia, but it wasn’t until the 1700s and 1800s that it became widely available in Europe and America. By the 20th century, ice cream manufacturers began experimenting with cake-inspired flavors, leading to the creation of Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream.

While the exact origin of Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is unclear, it likely emerged in the late 20th century, when companies like Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, and Baskin-Robbins introduced cheesecake-based flavors. The combination of creamy cheesecake ice cream, real fruit swirls, and graham cracker crumbles was an instant hit, offering the indulgence of cheesecake in a frozen form.

Why It’s So Popular

  • Perfect Flavor Balance – The tangy cream cheese, sweet strawberries, and crunchy graham crackers mimic a real cheesecake.
  • Creamy & Decadent – The smooth texture of the ice cream makes it feel luxurious.
  • Nostalgia & Comfort – Cheesecake is a well-loved dessert, and combining it with ice cream makes it even more irresistible.

Modern Variations

Today, Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream can be found in:

  • Artisanal ice cream shops with gourmet variations like caramel drizzles or mascarpone bases.
  • Store-bought brands offering gluten-free or dairy-free versions.
  • Homemade recipes, allowing for customizations like chocolate graham crackers or mixed berries.

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is a delicious fusion of two classic desserts, offering the best of both worlds in every bite. Whether enjoyed on a summer day or as an indulgent treat year-round, it remains one of the most popular and beloved ice cream flavors.

Ingredients

  1. 3 ½ cups Cream Base
  2. 8 oz room temperature cream cheese
  3. 2 tsp Vanilla extract

Strawberry Sauce:

  1. 1 lb washed and hulled strawberries
  2. ⅔ cup sugar
  3. 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  4. 1 Tbsp xanthan gum (change)
  5. Water 

Graham Cracker Crumbs:

  1. 8 graham crackers squares (4 sheets)
  2. 3 Tbsp melted butter
  3. 1 Tbsp sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the strawberries break down and release their juices.
  3. Use a fork or blender to mash or puree the strawberries to your desired consistency.
  4. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely before using.

Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumbs

  1. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined.
  3. Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  4. Let cool completely before using.

Step 3: Make the Ice Cream Base

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the cream base (heavy cream + whole milk) while whisking to fully incorporate.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

  1. Pour the chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Ice Cream

  1. In a freezer-safe container, layer the churned ice cream, cooled strawberry sauce, and graham cracker crumbs, swirling them together gently.
  2. Repeat until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a swirl of strawberry sauce and a sprinkle of graham crumbs on top.

Step 6: Freeze and Serve

  1. Cover the container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
  2. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for the best texture.
  3. Serve and enjoy the rich, creamy, and tangy flavors of homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream!

Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.