Description
This Homemade Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with a bright, zesty lemon flavor. Made without an ice cream maker, this no-churn recipe uses cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk to create a luscious, smooth texture perfect for a refreshing summer dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Optional Topping
- Crumbled graham crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step ensures no lumps remain and the base is silky.
- Mix in Flavorings: Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will give the ice cream its light and airy texture.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Take care to maintain the airiness – fold just until combined to keep the ice cream light.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top. Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the ice cream to set fully.
- Serve: Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes for easier scooping. Serve with optional crumbled graham crackers on top for a perfect cheesecake touch.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- This is a no-churn recipe, so no ice cream maker is needed.
- You can adjust the lemon juice and zest to increase or decrease tartness based on preference.
- Storing leftover ice cream in an airtight container helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the texture fresh.