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Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

This strawberry cheesecake ice cream tastes just like a slice of cool and creamy cheesecake! Made from a sweet and tangy cheesecake ice cream base flavored with real strawberries, this homemade recipe is a delicious treat any time of the year.

Hand holding up a waffle cone filled with three scoops of strawberry cheesecake ice cream.

Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

You think you know what rich and creamy ice cream is, and then you have a scoop of this Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream. It’s SO smooth and SO creamy, with bursts of bright summer strawberries and sweet cheesecake flavor in every bite. This recipe was inspired years ago by David Lebovitz’s book, The Perfect Scoop. With this homemade ice cream, there’s no need to stand over the stove cooking up a custard base, and the texture is way silkier than frozen yogurt. It’s indulgent enough to satisfy any ice cream craving, and it’s actually super simple to make at home!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe

  • No custard. While you will need an ice cream maker, this is Philadelphia-style ice cream. Meaning, no egg yolks! It has all the creamy texture minus the need for a custard base.
  • Fresh ingredients. Making your own ice cream is the best because you know exactly what goes into it. This strawberry cheesecake ice cream is packed with real berries wrapped up in simple, fresh dairy, with real lemon zest and a bit of sugar for sweetness. No additives or unpronounceable ingredients here! 
  • Better than storebought. Not to mention, homemade is more affordable. This recipe is rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet, like your favorite pints of Ben and Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream, made at home for a lot less money.
The ingredients for homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Below, we’ll go over step-by-step how to make the base, churn the ice cream, and then store your homemade ice cream in the freezer. Please scroll to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and recipe details. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Cream Cheese: You’ll need one 8-ounce package of cream cheese to form the cheesecake base for the ice cream. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon zest brightens up the flavors of the ice cream.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the silky-smoothness of the ice cream as well as the tanginess of the flavors. 
  • Half-and-Half: Or heavy whipping cream for the base. The ice cream will turn out richer and creamier when made with full-fat heavy cream; however, half-and-half is a good option if you’d prefer to lighten things up.
  • Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness, while a pinch of salt helps to balance and enhance the flavors.
  • Strawberries: I use freshly washed, hulled, and chopped strawberries. You can just as easily make raspberry cheesecake or blueberry cheesecake ice cream using any berries you’d like. I recommend making ice cream with fresh berries, though, as frozen berries can contain excess water.

Directions

  1. Prepare the ice cream base. Begin by dicing up the cream cheese into cubes. Next, add the cream cheese and the rest of the ingredients (apart from the strawberries for now) to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. Chill. Place the cheesecake ice cream base into the fridge to chill for a couple of hours.
  3. Churn the ice cream. Transfer the base to your ice cream maker. You’ll need to freeze and churn the ice cream according to the manufacturer’s directions for your ice cream machine.
  4. Add the strawberries. A few minutes before your ice cream is finished churning, chuck in the chopped strawberries. Many ice cream makers have an ingredient spout specifically for this purpose. Once the ice cream is ready, get scooping!
An ice cream scoop serving up a scoop of strawberry cheesecake ice cream from a loaf pan.

Tips for Successful Homemade Ice Cream

If you’ve never made homemade ice cream before, you’re going to be amazed at how easy it is. Here are some tips to get this recipe right every time:

  • Use full-fat ingredients for the best ice cream texture. High-fat content in the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream will yield the creamiest results, as it helps to keep ice crystals from forming.
  • Don’t skip the sugar. Yes, sugar adds sweetness, but it also contributes to the creamy texture of homemade ice cream. Don’t skip it!
  • Chill the bowl of your ice cream maker. Most models call for chilling the ice cream maker bowl before adding your ingredients.
  • Fresh strawberries are best, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Make sure to thaw and drain frozen strawberries before adding them to the ice cream.
  • Homemade ice cream is harder than store-bought ice cream when it comes out of the freezer. This is because it doesn’t contain any of the additives that keep store-bought ice cream soft. To make it easier to scoop, take the ice cream out of the freezer about 10 minutes before serving.
Overhead view of three scoops of strawberry cheesecake ice cream in a bowl garnished with fresh strawberries, surrounded by scattered berries.

Can I Make This Recipe Without the Ice Cream Maker?

Yes, you can make this homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker in the style of my cottage cheese ice cream. Simply blend the ingredients as directed, and then pulse in the chopped strawberries. Instead of chilling the mixture in the fridge, transfer the ice cream base to a loaf pan or container and freeze it for 3 to 4 hours.

Add-Ins and Variation Ideas

You can easily make this ice cream with your favorite mix-ins and flavor variations. Be mindful and don’t go overboard regarding add-ins, as too many chunky ingredients will make the ice cream harder to scoop. Here are some ideas:

  • Strawberry Sauce. Instead of chopped strawberries, make this strawberry cheesecake ice cream with fresh strawberry sauce.
  • Graham Crackers. For some extra crunch, add chopped or crushed graham crackers to the ice cream along with the strawberries. 
  • Cookies. Add in chopped white chocolate chip cookies, vanilla wafers, Oreos, gingersnaps, or shortbread cookies. 
  • Chocolate. Toss in dark or white chocolate chips and chopped chocolate, or drizzle in fudge sauce (caramel sauce would also be yummy!).
  • Different fruit. Make blueberry cheesecake ice cream, or raspberry cheesecake ice cream, or try a different fruit, like cherries, pineapple chunks, or chopped mango or peaches.
Hand holding up a waffle cone filled with three scoops of ice cream.

Ways to Serve Homemade Ice Cream

There are many ways to serve this ice cream that go beyond a bowl or an ice cream cone!

  • Toppings. Sprinkle the ice cream with crushed or chopped pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts for a bit of crunch. Chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, and crumbled cookies are other easy options.
  • Chocolate Sauce. Drizzle strawberry cheesecake ice cream with boozy chocolate dipping sauce for a grown-ups-only twist.
  • Cake. This summery ice cream pairs great with my mini lemon cakes or with slices of this soft lemon yogurt cake. It’s also delicious to serve over fudgy Nutella brownies or blondies.
  • Waffles. Serve scoops of cheesecake ice cream over cream cheese waffles or baked French toast, topped with a swirl of whipped cream, for an indulgent sweet breakfast or brunch.  
  • Ice Cream Sandwiches. Scoop this ice cream between two cookies.
Overhead view of three scoops of strawberry cheesecake ice cream in a bowl garnished with fresh strawberries.

How to Store Ice Cream

Store this strawberry cheesecake ice cream airtight in the freezer, with a layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper pressed directly to the surface of the ice cream. This prevents the ice cream from icing over. Properly stored, this ice cream will keep frozen for up to 1 month.

ENJOY!

More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Hand holding up a waffle cone filled with three scoops of strawberry cheesecake ice cream.

Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Katerina | Diethood
This homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream tastes just like a slice of cool and creamy strawberry cheesecake. It's easy to make and perfect for summer!
5 from 1 vote
Servings : 6 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Freezing Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
  • cup sugar
  • pinch salt
  • ½ cup chopped strawberries, add more if you like more berries

Instructions
 

  • Cut the cream cheese into pieces.
  • Transfer the cream cheese, lemon zest, sour cream, heavy cream, sugar, and salt to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Then, put it in the refrigerator to chill for about 2 hours.
  • Remove the cream cheese mixture from the fridge and pour it into your ice cream maker; freeze it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Three minutes before the ice cream is done churning, add the chopped strawberries into the mixture through the ingredient spout on the ice cream maker.
  • When done, scoop out some ice cream and serve.
  • To freeze, store the ice cream in an airtight container and add a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly to the surface of the ice cream. Cover and keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream to achieve the creamiest consistency. The richness in cream cheese and heavy cream prevents the formation of ice crystals.
  • Sugar isn’t just for sweetness; it’s crucial for the soft texture of the ice cream. Don’t omit it.
  • While fresh strawberries deliver the best flavor, you can use frozen ones if necessary. Just ensure they’re thawed and well-drained before use.
  • Unlike commercial ice creams, homemade versions tend to freeze harder due to the lack of softening additives. Let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving for easy scooping.

Nutrition

Calories: 370 kcal | Carbohydrates: 29 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 28 g | Saturated Fat: 16 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g | Cholesterol: 83 mg | Sodium: 137 mg | Potassium: 160 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 27 g | Vitamin A: 1043 IU | Vitamin C: 17 mg | Calcium: 95 mg | Iron: 0.3 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesecake ice cream, strawberry cheesecake ice cream
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49 comments on “Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream”

  1. I just tried this recipe and loved it. I used sucralose, instead of sugar, and added crushed pecans but other than that the recipe was not changed. Very good, thank you.

  2. No standing over a stove? Woo-hoo!! And I just returned the book you spoke of to the library without even turning a page. Darn it all!! I have to make this recipe. What else I love about this post is that you referred to spring as bipolar. That is hilarious; and true.

  3. Avatar photo
    Mina @ Angelloves Cooking

    Kate, congratson yesteday’s top 9!!! I am placing your Ice Cream recipe on the top of my “to be done” list – it sounds amazingly tasty 🙂

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    The Harried Cook

    Love this recipe! Classic combinations and in an ice cream cone! Who could ask for more. The temperature where I am is 100+ and you have NO idea how much I want one of these right now… Thanks for sharing 🙂

  5. Yummy looking ice cream and I agree ice cream is always in season 😛
    It’s so crazy how cold May has been, I miss hot and sunny 🙂 hopefully next month!

  6. It’s 50 degrees and raining here- but ice cream sounds like the perfect pick-me-up! I love The Perfect Scoop and the addition of Strawberries to this recipe is just lovely!

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    Cheryl and Adam @pictureperfectmeals.com

    God for you , Kate, for sticking to the summer plan! Can’t let the weather get you down, just because spring can’t get it’s act together doesn’t mean we have to suffer right? Superb recipe, so yummy, so summery! Congrats on the top 9, too!

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    Felice - All That's Left Are The Crumbs

    Yes, ice cream is definitely always in season, especially here. I am so glad that you posted this recipe because I just got my ice cream maker out yesterday thinking that I would have to make some ice cream soon. I have a beautiful punnet of strawberries and the rest of the ingredients so this was meant to be. Lovely photos too.

  9. Strawberry cheesecake is one of my all time favorite ice cream flavors. The picture of the cone just taunts me…ehehehe. It’s quite warm here so this would hit the spot this weekend.

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    The Farmers Wife

    I am SOOO Glad that my hubby got me an ice cream maker for Mother’s Day!! When it finally get’s here I am making this ASAP!

  11. I had this flavor ice cream only once it my life and it was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I am definitely going to make this asap! The weather has been very crappy, but this is just too good to resist… screw the rain, I’ll pretend it’s summer!

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    Nami @ Just One Cookbook

    SF has been cold and cloudy but today it’s finally sunny! Oh I wish really wish that I have an ice cream maker…without it I can’t make it right? Your strawberry cheesecake ice cream is AMAZING! In fact this is actually my favorite flavor when I go to an ice cream shop (I always debate if I should get chocolate one, but just can’t pass this flavor). I think I should invest money on buying ice cream maker, just for this recipe. I’m serious! I’m going to send this link to my hubby. Hopefully your great pictures are convincing! 😉

  13. Is it really 45 degrees in Chi town city?!??!? WHOOLLY cow! I am sorry! 🙁 Thank goodness for ice cream!

  14. Beautiful strawberries, beautiful ice cream, beautiful weath… oh wait 🙂 The weather is pretty bad here as well. I guess that just like you I’ll have to deal with the first two and get over cold, rainy San Fran. I wish we at least had a fireplace at home! Then I’d be able to eat this delicious ice cream next to it… (obviously, not too close!) But don’t worry. That won’t stop me from making this recipe 😉

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    Emily @ Life on Food

    Cream cheese in ice cream is new to me but I can see how it works. My ice cream maker has been in hibernation since I moved last summer. I really need to bring it out to play. The huge chunks of strawberries are mouthwatering!

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    Hester Casey - Alchemy

    Kate, this is GOOD! Simple, and no messy custard to make. Lovely guest post over at Jill’s Mad About Macarons.

    p.s. When you get through to Spring, could I have a word with her please. She needs to turn the heating up 🙂

  17. This looks awesome! I have his book checked out from our library. This one may be going next on the list 🙂

  18. i hear ya aboout the weather! it’s crazy! it was finally a little warm today but a couple of days ago, i was so cold… i turned on the heat in the house and wore my winter jacket when going out…lol

    i haven’t heard of strawberry cheesecake ice cream but i do like cheesecake and there is no reason why i wouldn’t love this! your presentation and pictures are wonderful (as usual 🙂

  19. Avatar photo
    Marmande in the Kitchen

    I love how you don’t have to make a custard on stove and wait for it to chill before you add it to the ice cream machine – I have no patience for that! Looks delicious!

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    Happy When Not Hungry

    Wow this ice cream looks so creamy and delicious! I def need to get myself an ice cream maker 🙂

  21. What great pictures! It could be ice cream weather any day here, this has to be the coldest spring EVER!! But it doesn’t have to be hot to eat this, yum!

  22. When spring refused to come to MN – I just made spring in my kitchen – which is what you did! A sort of “I’ll show you, Mother Nature!” And this does sing of spring. I am a strawberry-fiend, cheesecake lover and will be doing this. And I keep meaning to put The Perfect Scoop on my wish-list. Your delicious photos say it all!

  23. Oh, gosh, this looks fabulous! I had my Perfect Scoop cookbook out yesterday, but put it back since it wasn’t ice cream weather. Tomorrow looks promising…fingers crossed for warmth and sunshine in Indiana!

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    Kim - Liv Life

    I’m not much of an ice cream fan, however, every once in a while one catches my eye… and this one sure did! I thinks it’s the “cheesecake” part that did it, but we will definitely be trying this one!! Lovely, lovely photos too!

  25. Oh, I am with you. It’s been rainy and cool here since Saturday, with no end in sight. But ice cream is still warranted, because despite what the thermometer says, it IS mid-May! I’ve been meaning to try cheesecake ice cream…

  26. I cannot overstate how much I LOVE the light in these photos! How do you eat all this and stay so svelte? You must post your secrets, my lovely!

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    Kimberly (unrivaledkitch)

    I love strawberry cheesecake ice cream. This looks so good, i wish i had an ice cream maker! 🙂

  28. OK, seriously…….fabulous. I think i bruised my forehead trying to eat thru the computer. 😛
    Once again you have out done yourself. Love it, love it love it. Like you said there is no season for ice cream. It is a year round treat 🙂
    I am going to hunt down my ice cream maker and get this party started.

  29. I’m trying to save up to get a camera but every time I see an ice cream post, I think, “I’ve gotto get me one of those!”

  30. Great pics today! So bright and summery – definitely better than this weather. So I saw your post in my inbox today and had to wait until lunch to read it otherwise I think I would have had to run out to get ice cream immediately. Glad I waited – YUMMY! I’ve never seen an ice cream recipe before – let alone tried one. This looks totally worth trying though. 🙂

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    Kate from Scratch

    OOoooooooh…..I am trying not to literally drool all over my keyboard right now. So good. Btw, so much in common? I know! I think we might be linked at the brain. Teething means everyone needs a little creamy treat. This is perfect. I need an ice cream maker. It’s officially added to my list. It’s pretty and pink too, which I love. Being surrounded by boys all the time …I could use a little more pink.

  32. Avatar photo
    The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time

    Making this, making this, making this! I’m dancing with joy! I’ll need to get more strawberries at the farm over yonder but I can do that and I have all the rest of the ingredients. Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is my absolute FAVORITE. Yours looks perfect; delicious; wonderful. They say that tomorrow summer returns (here at least). I’ll be ready.

  33. Oh, I love cheesecake ice cream, it’s the best! I’m still waiting on spring here on the coast too! Nothing but rain for the past week!

  34. Kate, your photos are just too mouth-watering. I want that ice-cream! Cheesecake and strawberries: what more could we ask for (apart from the sun)?

  35. I see tons of ice cream recipes on blogs! I already wanted an ice cream maker but now I NEED one! This ice cream must be delicious with the cream cheese & strawberries!

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    Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen

    Kate these pictures are amazing! Awesome!! And it helps that the recipe is delectable too! Mmm! I love me some ice cream! ♥

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    Lindsey@Lindselicious

    This looks so good Kate! I love strawberry ice cream, it makes me happy seeing it in the cute little cone too- I havent eaten one like that in so long. =)

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    Megan @ pipandebby

    Your lovely photos and delicious food always bring a smile to my face! They also make my tummy rumble. This is a fabulous ice cream recipe! Delicious and perfect for that warm weather….whenever it comes! 🙂

  39. Wow…I can’t believe how simple this is! No custard!!
    Looks really great…I recently made a strawberry cheesecake ice cream but it wasn’t creamy and got way too hard 🙁 I’ll have to try something more along these lines.
    And I”m with you on the weather…even here in California it has been abnormally chilly.

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