If you’ve ever wished cheesecake could be frozen into a scoopable treat, this Cheesecake Ice Cream is exactly what you need. This dessert combines the tangy creaminess of classic cheesecake with the smooth, icy texture of ice cream, giving you the perfect balance between rich flavor and refreshing coldness. Making this at home allows you to enjoy a decadent dessert without the effort of baking a full cheesecake. Every bite melts in your mouth with a creamy tang that is hard to resist, making it ideal for dessert lovers looking for a simple yet indulgent treat.
Why We Love This Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe
You’ll love this Cheesecake Ice Cream for many reasons. First, it captures all the flavors of a traditional cheesecake, from creamy cream cheese to a hint of zesty lemon, but in a frozen form that’s perfect for warm days or anytime you want a cool treat. Second, it’s quick to prepare. In just a few minutes, you can have a dessert that looks and tastes gourmet, but requires minimal effort and no baking. Third, it’s versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, pair it with fresh fruit, drizzle with chocolate or caramel, or even add cookie pieces to enhance the texture. Finally, it’s homemade, so you know exactly what’s in it, and you can adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking.
Ingredients for Cheesecake Ice Cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 lemon, scrubbed and zested
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
How to Make Cheesecake Ice Cream
Making Cheesecake Ice Cream is a simple process that delivers professional-tasting results with minimal effort. Start by cutting the cream cheese into small pieces. Place the pieces into a blender, which will help create a perfectly smooth base. Zest the lemon directly into the blender to capture the fresh, aromatic oils that enhance the cheesecake flavor. Set the lemon aside to use later for an extra touch of citrus if desired.
Next, add the sour cream, half and half, sugar, and kosher salt to the blender. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. This step is essential for achieving that silky ice cream texture that melts in your mouth. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or lemon zest if needed.
Once your mixture is ready, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can enjoy it immediately as a soft serve, which is perfect for a creamy, slightly softer texture. For firmer ice cream, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for a few hours. When frozen completely, it will scoop beautifully while maintaining a creamy consistency reminiscent of cheesecake.
How to Serve Cheesecake Ice Cream
Serving Cheesecake Ice Cream is as enjoyable as making it. You can keep it simple by scooping it into bowls or cones, letting the creamy, tangy flavor shine. For a more indulgent experience, pair it with toppings like fresh berries, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. You can even serve it alongside a slice of your favorite fruit tart or a small portion of graham cracker crumbs to mimic a traditional cheesecake crust.
This ice cream is perfect for summer gatherings, casual family desserts, or even as a special treat for yourself. It’s versatile, visually appealing, and sure to impress anyone who tastes it. You can also experiment with creative presentations, like layering it with fruit compote in a parfait glass or serving it in waffle bowls for a crunchy contrast.
Expert Tips for Cheesecake Ice Cream
Making perfect Cheesecake Ice Cream is easier when you follow a few expert tips. First, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it blends smoothly and avoids lumps. Second, don’t skip the lemon zest – it adds a bright flavor that balances the richness of the cream cheese. Third, make sure your ice cream maker is properly chilled before churning, as this helps the mixture freeze evenly and achieve a smooth texture.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter or tangier flavor, adjust the sugar or lemon zest to your taste. For extra richness, you can add a small amount of heavy cream, though the half and half already gives a nice balance of creaminess. To enhance texture, consider folding in crushed graham crackers or cookie pieces after churning for a cheesecake crust feel. Always store the ice cream in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
How to Store Cheesecake Ice Cream
Storing Cheesecake Ice Cream is straightforward. Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to keep it from absorbing other freezer odors. Place it in the coldest part of your freezer to ensure it maintains its creamy texture.
When properly stored, your ice cream can last for up to two weeks, though it’s best enjoyed within the first week for optimal flavor and texture. If the ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, as this can cause ice crystals to form and affect the smoothness.
Variation of Cheesecake Ice Cream
One of the joys of making Cheesecake Ice Cream at home is that you can customize it to your taste. For example, you can fold in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit preserves to create different flavors. Swirling in strawberry or raspberry puree adds a fruity contrast that complements the tangy cheesecake base beautifully.
For a nutty twist, try adding crushed toasted almonds or pecans for extra crunch. You can even experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle warming note. Vegan or dairy-free versions are also possible by substituting cream cheese, sour cream, and half and half with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream. These variations keep the essence of cheesecake while catering to different dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesecake Ice Cream
What makes this ice cream taste like cheesecake?
The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and lemon zest replicates the tangy and creamy flavor of a classic cheesecake.
Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can. Blend the ingredients and pour them into a freezer-safe container, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
How long should I freeze it for a firm texture?
For firm ice cream, freeze for 3–4 hours. Soft serve can be enjoyed immediately after churning.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely. Fold in cookie crumbs, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves after churning for added texture and flavor.
How should I store leftover ice cream?
Keep it in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer to preserve texture and flavor for up to two weeks.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the sugar to suit your taste without affecting the texture.
Cheesecake Ice Cream
Equipment
- Blender
- Ice Cream Maker
- Freezer-Safe Container
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese cut into small pieces
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
- Cut cream cheese into small pieces and place in a blender. Zest the lemon into the blender.
- Add sour cream, half and half, sugar, and kosher salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or lemon zest if needed.
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- For soft serve, enjoy immediately. For firmer ice cream, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for a few hours.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!