Introduction
Indulge in the rich, creamy, and tangy goodness of Cheesecake Ice Cream – a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of your favorite cheesecake. This heavenly concoction is generously studded with graham crackers to provide an authentic cheesecake experience. Adding a touch of lemon zest elevates its flavor, creating a refreshing twist that is simply irresistible.
Cheesecake + Ice Cream = The Perfect Fusion!
As a lover of both ice cream and cheesecake, I am thrilled when these two dessert favorites combine into one extraordinary treat! While I’ve previously experimented with blueberry and strawberry cheesecake ice cream, I yearned for a version that truly captured the essence of a classic cheesecake. And guess what? This recipe does exactly that!
This cheesecake ice cream is not only scrumptious on its own; it also pairs perfectly with a variety of fresh fruits or luscious pie fillings. It’s a dream come true for fellow cheesecake enthusiasts like myself. 🙂
What to Expect: A Creamy, Tangy Sensation
Imagine a rich and indulgent ice cream with a velvety texture and a delightful tang reminiscent of the finest cheesecakes. Unlike traditional ice cream infused with chunks of cheesecake, this recipe goes a step further. The base itself is crafted with cream cheese, infusing every bite with the distinct flavor of cheesecake, beautifully transformed into a creamy frozen delight!
Achieving Creamy Perfection
Wondering how to ensure your homemade ice cream is consistently smooth and creamy? The secret lies in the inclusion of key ingredients.
To begin with, using heavy cream instead of lower-fat alternatives or milk substitutes imparts an unparalleled creaminess. Lower water content in cream prevents the formation of undesirable ice crystals.
Adding eggs to your ice cream mixture further enhances its thickness and creaminess. In this particular recipe, we take it up a notch by incorporating both cream and cream cheese, along with eggs, resulting in an incredibly smooth and luscious creation!
How to Make Cheesecake Ice Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
- Heavy cream: For an irresistibly rich and creamy ice cream.
- Granulated sugar: To achieve the perfect level of sweetness.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best for this recipe.
- Light cream cheese: Feel free to use full-fat cream cheese or even fat-free alternatives.
- Lemon juice: Adds a tangy dimension that enhances the cheesecake flavor. Fresh lemon juice is recommended but bottled will suffice.
- Lemon zest (optional): A touch of fresh lemon zest imparts a subtle, refreshing taste without overpowering the cream cheese flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Opt for high-quality vanilla extract to elevate this ice cream to new heights.
- Graham crackers: Indispensable for a true cheesecake experience.
Directions:
- TEMPER THE EGGS: In a heavy saucepan, gently whisk together 1 1/2 cups of cream, sugar, and eggs over medium-low heat. Slowly bring the mixture to a simmer, ensuring not to rush the process. Rapid heating may result in scrambled eggs.
- STRAIN: For a smoother texture, pass the egg mixture through a fine mesh strainer, removing any lumps. Though optional, this step is highly recommended.
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BLEND: In a large bowl (preferably with a lid), beat the cream cheese until soft and creamy. Gradually incorporate the hot cream mixture into the cream cheese, blending well.
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CHILL: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 4-5 hours or overnight. To expedite the process, place the bowl or pan in a sink filled with ice water for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step accelerates freezing in the ice cream maker.
- FINISH: To the chilled mixture, add the remaining 1 cup of cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- FREEZE: Follow the instructions provided by your ice cream maker to freeze the mixture. Once ready, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and stir in the broken graham crackers. At this stage, you’ll have a delightful soft-serve ice cream. Feel free to enjoy it immediately or proceed to the next step for a firmer texture.
- RIPEN: Scoop the ice cream into a freezer-safe container and allow it to freeze for 3-4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
Explore More Cream Cheese Delights!
If you can’t get enough of cream cheese, be sure to try these delectable recipes:
- Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle
- Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Zucchini Bread with Cream Cheese
- Turtle Cheesecake
Expand Your Ice Cream Repertoire!
Take your homemade ice cream adventures to the next level with these enticing recipes:
- Peppermint Ice Cream
- Chocolate Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- White Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream
- Strawberry Ice Cream
- Butterfinger Ice Cream
- French Vanilla Ice Cream
Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds!
If you’re torn between indulging in a slice of cheesecake or a bowl of ice cream, now you can savor both simultaneously! This magnificent Cheesecake Ice Cream offers the perfect fusion of creaminess and tang that will leave your taste buds singing with joy. Treat yourself to this divine creation and experience a truly delightful blend of flavors.
