After making whipped feta crostini a few weeks ago, I had a little extra cream cheese to use up. I didn’t want to buy bagels, because I knew I’d run out of cream cheese before I’d run out of bagels, and then I’d be tempted to buy more cream cheese—it’s a vicious cycle, you know? As it happened, I also had a bunch of strawberries I needed to finish. Because who goes to Costco and buys two pounds of strawberries three days before leaving town? *raises hand* So I decided to make a strawberry cheesecake smoothie!
If you’ve never put cream cheese in a smoothie before, you’re in for a real treat. It makes it super luscious and silky smooth, while also adding some protein! The graham cracker crumbs are totally optional, but they add a little visual pizzazz…plus, if you’ve ever thought it was a shame to toss out the crumbs at the bottom of the box, here’s a solution! I had some extra crumbs sitting around after making s’mores cupcakes, so in they went! If you haven’t already noticed, the theme of this smoothie was basically “use up all the things.” Annnnd then when I was going through the pantry, I also happened to find an unopened bottle of strawberry extract, which I have no recollection of purchasing—but obviously I must have at some point, since it’s not really the sort of thing the boyfriend would buy on impulse while at the store. So that went into the blender, too.
So if you ever happen to find yourself with cream cheese, strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, and strawberry extract, this is THE recipe for you! Or you could also buy things intentionally in order to make this. That works too 
I’m sharing this post at the following link parties: Recipe of the Week, The Wednesday Showcase, Foodie FriDIY, and Fiesta Friday.
Oh yum! This totally looks worthy of putting the ingredients on the shopping list.
Haha yes, agreed! Thanks, Maggie!
This sounds really yummy! How convenient that all of your leftovers went together so well!!
I’ve never tried cream cheese in a smoothie before, but I bet it is great.
It really was quite serendipitous! I imagine you could achieve a similar cheesecake-y feel with Greek yogurt, but I happened to have cream cheese, so that’s what I used. I hope you get a chance to try it!
This looks so good!!! I love cheesecake in all forms, so this smoothie is must try
I know that I’ve made some of my best dinners by just throwing together a bunch of things I needed to use before they went bad! It’s so nice when that works out!
Thanks, Alaina! Let me know what you think if you try it. And yes, it’s SO nice when leftover ingredients actually go together…although that seems to be a rare thing in my household!
Oh yum! My kids would love this too!
I’m sure! I have fond memories of blending up smoothies as a summertime snack as a kid
I thought plain old strawberry smoothies were pretty awesome. But cheesecake ones? Wow! I bet this is so delicious
I like to think of them as belonging to separate categories. I’ve got a favorite all-fruit strawberry smoothie, but when I want something a little different and more indulgent, this one hits the spot!
Brilliant – it’s like a cake in a glass! Loving it
Yup, exactly! Thanks, Ginger!
Now you’re talking
Cheesecake smoothie here I come! Will be trying this definitely, lots of strawberries in my backyard. I hope the birds haven’t found them!
Ooh, that sounds lovely to have strawberries growing in your own yard! I hope you enjoy this smoothie as much as we do
So yummy! Who would have thought to make a cheesecake smoothie? This is giving me tons of ideas!!
Thanks, Julianna! I’m glad this caught your eye.
This looks so pretty and refreshing, Mara! Happy FF!
Thanks so much! Happy (belated) Fiesta Friday
Mara, I like the way you think!!! Leftovers usually drive new recipes for me. But even with those recipes, I usually have to buy something else, which produces new leftovers! (I know, you know how this goes!) This smoothie looks creamy, thick and sweet! It would be a perfect way to start my day!
The cycle can be endless! I guess that’s okay, since we never stop needing food. I hope you get a chance to try this!
What an innovative recipe, Mara ! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Suchitra, and thanks for stopping by
Looks SO good, Mara! Stumbled and yummed this recipe
I’m glad this caught your eye! Thanks so much for sharing it