Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe

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When it comes to indulging in something outrageously creamy, bursting with rich flavors, and utterly satisfying, the Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream holds a special place in my heart (and freezer). But what if I told you that you could recreate this dreamy dessert at home? That’s right—your very own batch of Strawberry Cheesecake-inspired ice cream, brimming with sweet strawberries and luscious cheesecake goodness, is just a few steps away.

How to make Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake

Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is a popular flavor from the Ben & Jerry’s brand that combines the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberries.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 oz (85g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (frozen strawberries are fine too, just thaw them beforehand)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Graham Cracker Swirl:

• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Swirl

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency (about 10-15 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Once the strawberry mixture is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Place it in the fridge to chill while working on the ice cream base.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Swirl

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
2. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and let it cool. For extra crunch, you can toast the crumbs in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them!

Step 3: Blend the Ice Cream Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and lump-free. Slowly add the cream cheese into the liquid base a little bit at a time, whisking constantly to ensure it blends well.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 25-30 minutes.
2. Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, it’s time to assemble the mix-ins.

Step 5: Incorporate the Mix-Ins

1. Transfer one-third of the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Spread a layer of the strawberry swirl and a sprinkling of the graham cracker crumbs over it.
2. Repeat the layering process: ice cream → strawberry swirl → graham cracker crumbs, until all the ingredients are used. Gently swirl the layers with a knife or spatula for a marbled look (optional).
3. Cover the container tightly and freeze the ice cream for at least 4-6 hours, or until it reaches a firm consistency.

Tips for the Best Results

• Chill All Ingredients: For a smoother texture, ensure your liquid ingredients and mix-ins are cold before combining them with the ice cream base.
• Don’t Overheat the Strawberry Swirl: When cooking the strawberries, aim for a thick and jammy consistency, but don’t let it get too dry, as it can turn rubbery when frozen.
• Perfect Graham Crumbs: If you like more texture, leave some slightly chunkier graham cracker pieces instead of turning all the crumbs into a fine powder.
• Ice Cream Maker-Free Option: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the base into a shallow dish, freeze it, and stir every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals. Mix in your strawberry and graham crackers during the final hours of freezing.

What to serve with

Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is already a decadent treat on its own, but pairing it with complementary flavors and textures can make it even more exciting.

1. Fresh Fruit

Nothing pairs better with Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake than fresh, juicy fruit! The fruity flavor adds a natural balance to the creamy cheesecake base. Try these options:

• Sliced strawberries: Enhance the strawberry notes in the Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream.
• Raspberries: Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
• Blueberries: Adds a burst of freshness and color.
• Bananas: Sweet and creamy, banana slices elevate the dessert’s decadence.

2. Crunchy Additions

Adding a crunch to your Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake brings textural variety and makes every bite more delightful. Consider serving these crunchy side options:

• Homemade biscotti: A crisp almond or vanilla biscotti pairs perfectly with the cheesecake flavors.
• Cookies: Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or snickerdoodles complement the graham cracker swirl and rich ice cream base.
• Chopped nuts: Try sprinkling toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts on top for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re eager to recreate Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream at home but need to adjust for dietary restrictions, preferences, or ingredient availability, fear not!

Substitutes for the Ice Cream Base

1. Heavy Cream Substitutes:

Heavy cream provides richness and creaminess, but if you’re looking for alternatives, try:

• Coconut Cream: Use the thick, creamy portion from a can of full-fat coconut milk. This works well for a dairy-free or vegan ice cream.
• Half-and-Half: If you want a lighter option with less fat, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half, though the ice cream will be less creamy.
• Evaporated Milk: An option for a lower-fat, budget-friendly substitute, though it won’t be as indulgent.

2. Whole Milk Substitutes:

Whole milk is another key contributor to creaminess. If you’re out of whole milk or need a non-dairy option:

• Almond Milk or Oat Milk: Both are excellent dairy-free options. Oat milk tends to be creamier and is ideal for replicating the texture of traditional ice cream.
• 2% Milk: If you want to cut back on fat but still use dairy, you can substitute 2% milk for whole milk. Just know it may slightly affect the texture.
• Soy Milk: This is another plant-based alternative, with a higher protein content to help mimic the creamy consistency of whole milk.

3. Cream Cheese Substitutes:

The cream cheese is vital for the tangy cheesecake flavor, but here are some substitutes based on dietary needs:

• Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: Brands like Kite Hill or Miyoko’s offer great vegan cream cheese alternatives.
• Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat plain Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor, though it will make the mixture slightly less creamy.
• Mascarpone: A similarly creamy, spreadable cheese that works as a one-to-one substitute. It has a slightly milder tang than cream cheese.

Substitutes for the Strawberry Swirl

1. Fresh Strawberries:

If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use:

• Frozen Strawberries: Thaw them first, and then proceed with the recipe as usual.
• Strawberry Jam or Spread: If you’re short on time, you can swirl in store-bought strawberry jam instead of making the homemade strawberry mixture.
• Other Berries: Substitute with raspberries, cherries, or even blueberries for a different fruity twist.

2. Sugar in the Strawberry Swirl:

To sweeten the strawberry swirl, you can substitute granulated sugar with:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Adjust the quantity based on their individual sweetness levels.
• Stevia or Other Sugar Substitutes: Use a sugar alternative for a lower-calorie or diabetic-friendly option. Read the packaging for conversion ratios, as some are sweeter than sugar.

Substitutes for the Graham Cracker Swirl

1. Graham Crackers:

Can’t find graham crackers? No problem! Here are some alternatives:

• Digestive Biscuits: A great substitute with a similar taste and texture.
• Vanilla Wafers: Adds a hint of vanilla that pairs wonderfully with the cheesecake flavor.
• Crushed Cookies: Use shortbread, butter cookies, or even biscoff cookies for a different take on the crust component.

2. Butter for Binding the Crumbs:

Butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together, but here are some options if you need a substitute:

• Coconut Oil: Perfect for a non-dairy option. Use refined coconut oil if you don’t want a coconut taste.
• Vegan Butter or Margarine: Brands like Earth Balance work well for a dairy-free alternative.

3. Sugar in the Crumbs:

The graham cracker swirl calls for a bit of sugar. If you’re avoiding refined sugar:

• Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar: These add a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Honey or Agave Syrup: Use sparingly to keep the mixture from becoming too wet.

Sweetener Substitutes

The ice cream base calls for granulated sugar, but there are several alternatives:

• Honey or Agave Syrup: Both are great natural sweeteners, but reduce other liquids slightly to maintain the consistency of the mixture.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a warm, earthy flavor, though it may slightly alter the overall taste.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener, Erythritol, or Stevia: Ideal for making a low-sugar version. Follow the package instructions for conversion ratios, as these sweeteners are often sweeter than sugar.

Flavor Enhancers

1. Vanilla Extract Substitutes:

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the ice cream. If you’re out of vanilla, try the following:

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Use an equal amount for a richer, more pronounced vanilla flavor.
• Vanilla Powder: An excellent swap for liquid vanilla extract.
• Almond Extract: Use sparingly, as it has a much stronger flavor.

2. Lemon Juice in Strawberry Swirl:

The lemon juice in the strawberry swirl balances the sweetness. If unavailable, you can use:

• Lime Juice: Similar acidity and brightness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use sparingly—just a dash can add the tartness needed.

Final Thoughts

Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is already the perfect dessert, but adding creative sides, toppings, or pairings can elevate your experience to a whole new level.

More Ice Cream Recipes:

• Copycat Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae Recipe
• Copycat Costco Caramel Brownie Sundae Recipe
• Burger King Franken Candy Sundae Recipe