Ben & Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake features creamy cheesecake ice cream swirled with sweet strawberry preserves and chunks of graham cracker crust, delivering a luscious and tangy dessert experience with every bite.
Equipments
- Ice cream maker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Food processor
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Freezer-safe container
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for strawberry swirl)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup (100g) graham crackers
- 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar (for crust)
Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth ice cream base, and use fresh, ripe strawberries to maximize the flavor of the strawberry swirl. Crushing the graham crackers finely will help create a consistent and crunchy crust texture when mixed with melted butter and sugar. Measure your ingredients accurately, especially the sugars, to balance the sweetness in the creamy cheesecake ice cream. Using a food processor to blend the crust ingredients thoroughly will improve the distribution of flavors in every bite. Your homemade Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream will offer a luscious and tangy dessert experience reminiscent of Ben & Jerry's iconic flavor.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush graham crackers in food processor.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tbsp sugar in a bowl.
- Spread mixture on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely, then break into bite-sized chunks.
- In saucepan, combine strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened (5–8 minutes).
- Let strawberry mixture cool, then chill.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Whisk in 3/4 cup sugar, salt, and vanilla.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream gently.
- Cover and chill cheesecake base for at least 2–4 hours.
- Pour chilled mixture into ice cream maker.
- Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.
- Fold in half of the graham crust chunks.
- Spoon one-third of the ice cream into a freezer-safe container.
- Swirl in one-third of the strawberry mixture and a few more graham crust chunks.
- Repeat layering and swirling until all ingredients are used.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
Ben & Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake-inspired ice cream combines rich cheesecake-flavored ice cream with vibrant strawberry preserves and crunchy graham cracker chunks. If fresh strawberries are out of season or unavailable, frozen strawberries can be a suitable substitute, just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery swirl. When mixing the graham cracker crust, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can replace graham crackers without compromising texture. Using a food processor ensures even crushing of crust ingredients, but if unavailable, place crackers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin. Your homemade ice cream will benefit from chilling the mixture thoroughly before adding to the ice cream maker, enhancing the final creamy texture.
Tips
Your cream cheese must be softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake base. When cooking the strawberry mixture, keep stirring to prevent burning and ensure it thickens properly. After churning the ice cream, promptly layer with strawberry swirl and graham crackers in the freezer-safe container to preserve texture and flavor. Always chill the cheesecake base thoroughly before adding it to the ice cream maker for the best creamy consistency.
Nutritions
Ben & Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream incorporates cream cheese and heavy cream, providing a rich source of calcium and vitamin A, essential for bone health and immune function. The inclusion of strawberries adds natural vitamin C and antioxidants, which support skin health and reduce inflammation. The graham cracker crust contributes carbohydrates and small amounts of dietary fiber, while the sugar content supplies quick energy but should be consumed in moderation. Your dessert offers a balanced combination of creamy fats, sweet fruit, and crunchy texture, making it indulgent yet nutritionally notable.
Storage
Store your Ben & Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to maintain texture and flavor. Keep it at a consistent temperature of 0degF (-18degC) or lower to prevent ice crystals from forming. For best taste, consume within one month of freezing.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with a variation by substituting fresh strawberries with raspberry preserves to create a tart and vibrant berry swirl. For a richer crust, consider adding chopped toasted almonds or pecans to the graham cracker base before baking. If you prefer a baked cheesecake texture, bake the cream cheese mixture in a water bath before chilling and churning in the ice cream maker. To make the dessert dairy-free, replace cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based milk alternative in the recipe.
Allergies
Ben & Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake contains dairy products such as cream cheese, heavy cream, and whole milk, which may trigger allergic reactions for those with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. The presence of graham crackers introduces gluten, posing risks for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you have allergies to dairy or gluten, carefully review ingredient labels and consider alternatives to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Strawberry Cheesecake flavor from Ben & Jerry's blends creamy cheesecake ice cream with sweet strawberry swirls and chunks of graham cracker crust, delivering a rich and satisfying dessert experience. Fans appreciate the perfect balance of tangy fruitiness and smooth, velvety texture, making it a standout choice among ice cream lovers. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients for freshness and control the sweetness to suit your preferences. Your homemade Strawberry Cheesecake treats can replicate the iconic taste while offering a personalized twist that elevates the dessert experience.