Who doesn’t love ice cream? It’s a universal treat that can be enjoyed year-round, and while traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate are always a hit, sometimes you want something a little different. Enter cream cheese ice cream—a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy dessert that’s sure to become a favorite. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients and steps to create this delightful treat at home.
Ingredients
To make cream cheese ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this recipe accessible for any home cook.
Preparation Steps
Blend the Cream Cheese
Why It’s Important
Blending the cream cheese ensures it is smooth and free of lumps, which is crucial for achieving the creamy texture of the ice cream.
How to Do It
- Use a mixer or food processor to blend the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth.
- This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Heat the Milk and Sugar
Why It’s Important
Heating the milk and sugar helps the sugar dissolve completely, ensuring the ice cream is smooth and evenly sweetened.
How to Do It
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and sugar.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let the mixture boil.
Stir in the Cream and Vanilla Extract
Why It’s Important
Adding the heavy cream and vanilla extract off the heat helps to incorporate these ingredients without cooking them, preserving their fresh flavors.
How to Do It
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Slowly add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to the milk mixture, stirring continuously to ensure everything is well mixed.
Mix the Cream Cheese into the Milk Mixture
Why It’s Important
Incorporating the cream cheese into the milk mixture ensures a smooth and creamy texture throughout the ice cream.
How to Do It
- Gradually add the smooth cream cheese to the milk mixture.
- Use a whisk or blender to mix until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Chill the Mixture
Why It’s Important
Chilling the mixture thoroughly before churning helps the flavors to meld together and ensures the ice cream will freeze properly in the ice cream maker.
How to Do It
- Pour the mixture into a large bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it is thoroughly chilled.
Churn in an Ice Cream Maker
Why It’s Important
Churning the mixture in an ice cream maker incorporates air and gives the ice cream its creamy, scoopable texture.
How to Do It
- After chilling, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
Freeze Until Firm
Why It’s Important
Freezing the churned ice cream until firm ensures it will have the perfect texture for scooping and serving.
How to Do It
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Serving Suggestions
Cream cheese ice cream can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
- Fruit Compote: Top your ice cream with a warm fruit compote made from berries, peaches, or cherries.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top for a bit of crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle with rich chocolate sauce for a classic combination.
- Fresh Fruit: Add fresh berries or slices of fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with homemade caramel sauce.
Conclusion
Cream cheese ice cream is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering a unique flavor that’s both creamy and tangy. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily create this delicious treat at home. Whether enjoyed on its own or with your favorite toppings, cream cheese ice cream is sure to impress.
