Strawberry Cheesecake Sipper

Strawberry Cheesecake Sipper (ID: 16)

Description
A dessert-inspired smoothie that perfectly captures the essence of strawberry cheesecake, featuring fresh strawberries blended with cream cheese, authentic graham cracker crust elements, vanilla, and a hint of lemon for that classic cheesecake tang.

Yield
16 oz (473 ml) - One serving

Preparation Time
7 minutes

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 graham crackers (about 30g), broken into pieces
- 3/4 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- 4-5 ice cubes (omit if using frozen strawberries)

For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon graham cracker crumbs
- 1 fresh strawberry, sliced
- Small mint sprig (optional)

Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane (for lemon zest)
- Glass for serving

Instructions
1. Set aside 1 tablespoon of graham cracker crumbs for garnish.
2. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 5 minutes.
3. Add milk to the blender first.
4. Add cream cheese, strawberries, remaining graham crackers, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and salt.
5. Add ice cubes if using fresh strawberries.
6. Blend on low speed for 15 seconds to initially break down the graham crackers.
7. Increase to medium speed for 30 seconds, then high speed for 30-45 seconds until smooth and creamy.
8. Pour into a glass, leaving some space at the top for garnish.
9. Sprinkle with reserved graham cracker crumbs and garnish with sliced strawberry and mint sprig if using.

Nutritional Information (approximate)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Calcium: 250mg
- Vitamin C: 85mg

Benefits
- Provides calcium and protein from dairy ingredients for bone and muscle health
- Contains vitamin C from strawberries for immune support
- Delivers probiotics from yogurt for gut health (if using regular, non-heat-treated yogurt)
- Offers a healthier alternative to traditional desserts while satisfying sweet cravings

Variations
- For vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, plant-based yogurt, and plant milk
- For higher protein: Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- For gluten-free option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or substitute with 1 tablespoon almond flour and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- For blueberry cheesecake: Substitute strawberries with blueberries

Serving Suggestion
Serve in a tall glass or mason jar with a decorative rim of graham cracker crumbs (moisten the rim with lemon juice first to help crumbs adhere). For an elegant dessert presentation, serve in a coupe glass with a graham cracker half and fresh strawberry on the side. This smoothie can also be enjoyed as a lighter dessert alternative or special breakfast treat. For the ultimate indulgence, top with a small dollop of whipped cream or coconut whip.

Berry-Based Smoothies