Best Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe in 2025
Creating your own homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely delicious! In this guide, you’ll learn how to make this rich and creamy dessert from scratch. You will use a custard ice cream base and fresh ingredients. These include cream cheese, strawberries, and heavy cream. You can use an ice cream maker to make it. Alternatively, you can prepare it the no-churn way. This recipe will take your homemade ice cream game to the next level.
1. Why You Should Make Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream at Home
The Benefits of Homemade Ice Cream
Making homemade ice cream allows you to control the ingredients, so you can customize it to your preferences. No more worrying about artificial preservatives or flavorings that you often find in store-bought versions. Plus, it’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen with loved ones!
Creamy, Rich, and Custardy Texture
The secret to strawberry cheesecake ice cream is the egg yolk custard base. Using egg yolks helps create that silky, creamy texture that store-bought ice cream can’t match. This custard base is a game-changer, ensuring your ice cream is incredibly rich and smooth.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a sweet treat, this strawberry cheesecake flavor is sure to be a hit. It’s the perfect balance of tangy cheesecake flavor and sweet, juicy strawberries.
2. Ingredients for Your Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe
Fresh Strawberries
Start with fresh strawberries (or frozen berries if they’re out of season). Puree them to infuse the ice cream with that authentic strawberry flavor. You can also mix in small chunks for extra texture and sweetness.
Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream
The cream cheese gives the ice cream its signature cheesecake flavor and richness, while the heavy cream adds the luxurious, smooth finish. These ingredients are essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Sugar, Vanilla Extract, and Salt
To balance the tanginess of the cream cheese, sugar is added for sweetness. A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, and just a pinch of salt helps to bring out the sweetness in the ice cream.
Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are used to make the custard ice cream base. This not only adds richness but also helps the ice cream firm up as it freezes, creating that creamy consistency we all love.
3. How to Make the Perfect Custard Ice Cream Base
Making the Custard Base
Start by gently whisking the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl until smooth. In a saucepan, heat whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring until warm. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
Cooking the Custard
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This process creates the rich texture of the ice cream. Remember, patience is key!
Cooling the Base
Once your custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. You can also chill it in the fridge for a few hours to speed up the process. This is the foundation of your strawberry cheesecake ice cream.
4. Mixing and Freezing Your Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Incorporating the Strawberries
Once the custard base has cooled, fold in the strawberry puree and any additional chunks of strawberries. For added texture and flavor, you can swirl in a graham cracker crust (to mimic the classic cheesecake crust) or drizzle in some caramel sauce.
Using an Ice Cream Maker
Pour your mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The ice cream maker will churn the mixture, helping to incorporate air and creating that creamy texture. Typically, it will take about 20–30 minutes for the ice cream to freeze to the perfect consistency.
No-Churn Method
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry! Simply pour your mixture into a freezer-safe container and let it freeze for 4–6 hours or overnight, stirring once every hour to break up ice crystals. While the no-churn version may not be as smooth as the churned version, it will still be delicious.
Freezing and Serving
Once the ice cream has reached your desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2–3 hours. Scoop out your homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream and serve it in bowls or cones.
5. Tips for Perfect Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Use High-Quality Ingredients
For the best flavor and texture, always use high-quality cream cheese, heavy cream, and fresh strawberries. The better the ingredients, the better your ice cream will turn out.
Don’t Overmix the Base
While it’s important to make sure everything is well-combined, overmixing the custard can lead to a less creamy result. Gently fold the ingredients together, especially when adding the strawberry puree.
Experiment with Mix-Ins
Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the ice cream, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or extra graham cracker crumbs. These will enhance the texture and flavor of your dessert.
Proper Freezing is Key
For the best texture, make sure to freeze your ice cream for several hours to let it fully set. This will ensure the flavors meld together and the consistency is just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to freeze homemade ice cream?
Freezing homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream typically takes 4–6 hours. If you’re using an ice cream maker, it may take less time, but you’ll want to freeze it for an additional few hours to set properly.
Why are eggs used in ice cream?
Eggs are used in ice cream to make a custard base, which gives the ice cream a rich, smooth, and creamy texture. The egg yolks help emulsify the mixture, preventing ice crystals from forming and enhancing the flavor.
Can I make strawberry cheesecake ice cream without eggs?
Yes! If you’re looking for a no-egg option, you can use a no-churn method or replace the egg-based custard with a cornstarch or gelatin-based thickener. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I make strawberry cheesecake ice cream without an ice cream maker?
To make strawberry cheesecake ice cream without an ice cream maker, simply pour your mixture into a freezer-safe container, and freeze it. Stir every hour to prevent ice crystals from forming, and in about 4–6 hours, you’ll have smooth, creamy ice cream.
Conclusion
Making homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream is a fun and rewarding process. Whether you choose to use an ice cream maker or go the no-churn route, this dessert is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, creamy, and refreshing. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy the decadent flavor of cheesecake and the freshness of strawberries all in one scoop.
