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- 2 cups fresh blueberries - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided - 1 tablespoon lemon juice Fresh blueberries are key for this ice cream. They add a burst of flavor and color. Using ripe blueberries makes the ice cream sweeter and tastier. The granulated sugar balances the tartness of the berries. Dividing the sugar helps create a syrupy blueberry mix. Lemon juice adds brightness to the flavor. This combination is a must for any fruit ice cream. - 2 cups cream cheese, softened - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup sour cream Cream cheese gives this ice cream its rich, creamy texture. Make sure it's softened to mix well. Heavy cream adds a luscious mouthfeel and makes it smooth. Sour cream adds a slight tang, enhancing the cheesecake flavor. Together, these dairy components bring the creamy dessert to life. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and adds warmth. A pinch of salt enhances sweetness and depth. Graham cracker crumbs give that classic cheesecake crunch. They add texture and make each bite more enjoyable. These finishing touches are vital for a balanced and delightful ice cream. {{ingredient_image_1}} Cooking Blueberries with Sugar and Lemon Juice Start by taking a small saucepan. Add 2 cups of fresh blueberries, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Cook this mixture over medium heat. Stir until the blueberries burst. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be syrupy. Once done, remove it from the heat. Cooling the Blueberry Syrup Let the syrup cool down. You can leave it on the counter for a bit. Cooling helps the flavors blend nicely later. Beating Cream Cheese with Sugar In a large bowl, take 2 cups of softened cream cheese. Add the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until it’s smooth and creamy. This process is key for a rich texture. Adding Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, and Vanilla Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Don't forget a pinch of salt (¼ teaspoon). Mix on medium speed until everything is fluffy and well combined. Folding in Blueberry Mixture Gently fold the cooled blueberry mixture into your cream cheese base. Be careful not to mix too much. You want to see swirls of blueberry throughout. Incorporating Graham Cracker Crumbs Now, stir in ½ cup of graham cracker crumbs. This adds that classic cheesecake crunch. It makes the ice cream even more delightful. Using Ice Cream Maker Pour your mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. You want it to reach a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Freezing Instructions Transfer the soft ice cream into an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours. This helps it become firm and scoopable. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This softens it just enough to scoop easily. Enjoy your blueberry cheesecake ice cream! Importance of Churning Time Churning time is key to creamy ice cream. It incorporates air while freezing, creating a light texture. For this blueberry cheesecake ice cream, churn according to your ice cream maker's instructions. Usually, 20 to 30 minutes will do. Watch for soft-serve consistency; it should be smooth yet slightly thick. How to Soften Ice Cream for Serving To serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This softens it without melting. Use a warm scoop to help you dish it out easily. Using Different Berries You can switch up the berries in this recipe. While blueberries shine, raspberries or strawberries offer fun twists. You can mix berries for a unique taste. Just adjust the cooking time based on the berry you choose. Adjusting Sweetness Level Taste is important. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar. Start with half a cup and add more if needed. Remember, the sweetness balances the tartness of the berries. Creative Serving Suggestions Serve your ice cream in waffle cones for fun. You can also use glass bowls or jars for a cute look. Layer the ice cream with extra blueberry syrup for a colorful effect. Garnishing with Extra Blueberries Top your ice cream with fresh blueberries. They add color and a burst of flavor. Add a sprig of mint for a pop of green. This makes your dessert even more appealing and fresh. Pro Tips Fresh Blueberries are Key: Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen blueberries can be used but may result in a more watery mixture. Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy texture without lumps. Chill the Mixture: For a creamier texture, chill the ice cream mixture for about 1-2 hours before churning. This helps it churn faster and leads to a smoother ice cream. Garnish Smartly: For a beautiful presentation, don't forget to add extra blueberries on top before serving. They add a pop of color and enhance the flavor! {{image_2}} One fun twist is lemon blueberry cheesecake ice cream. Just add lemon zest and more lemon juice to the blueberry mix. This gives a bright, zesty flavor. You can also try swirls of other fruit purees, like raspberry or strawberry. Mix them in with the blueberry for a fruity surprise. For dairy-free options, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese. You can also use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk. If you want to cut sugar, try using stevia or monk fruit. These options work great and keep your ice cream sweet. Add chocolate chips for a rich touch. They bring a nice crunch and sweet balance. You can also use different cookie crumbles. Try Oreo or peanut butter cookies for a fun twist. These mix-ins will make your blueberry cheesecake ice cream even more exciting! To keep your blueberry cheesecake ice cream fresh, follow these steps: - Use an airtight container. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming. - Fill the container almost full. Leave a small space for expansion. - Place a piece of parchment paper on the surface. This adds extra protection against freezer burn. How long does it last in the freezer? Properly stored, this ice cream lasts about 2-3 months. After that, the flavor may fade. To enjoy it best, eat it within this time frame. Sometimes ice cream can become hard after freezing. Here are tips to restore its creamy texture: - Move the ice cream to the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. This softens it a bit. - Use a warm scoop to dish it out. Run the scoop under hot water for easy serving. - If it’s too icy, you can beat it in a bowl. This can help bring back some creaminess. You can make blueberry cheesecake ice cream without an ice cream maker by using a simple method. First, make the mixture as usual. Transfer it to a large bowl. Then, place the bowl in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals. Do this for 3 to 4 hours. This method gives you a creamy ice cream without the machine. Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just thaw them before cooking. The thawed berries will still burst and create a syrup. This will work well, and you won’t lose any flavor. Make sure to adjust the sugar slightly, as frozen blueberries can be sweeter. Churning ice cream at home usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The time can vary based on your ice cream maker. Keep an eye on it. You want a soft-serve consistency before you freeze it. You can add many tasty toppings. Here are some great options: - Extra blueberries for freshness - Whipped cream for a light touch - Graham cracker crumbs for crunch - A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for extra sweetness - Chopped nuts for a nutty flavor Feel free to mix and match your favorites! This blog post covered the key steps to make delicious blueberry cheesecake ice cream. You learned about the fresh ingredients, dairy components, and seasonings that create great flavor. I shared detailed instructions for prep, churning, and freezing. Additionally, I offered tips for the perfect texture and ways to enhance your ice cream. Remember, you can customize flavors and store your treat safely. Now, go ahead and make your own creamy dessert masterpiece! Enjoy every scoop.

Blueberry Bliss Cheesecake Ice Cream

A creamy and delightful ice cream infused with fresh blueberries and cheesecake flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2 sour cream
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • Extra blueberries for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, combine the fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the blueberries burst and the mixture is syrupy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the heavy cream, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on medium speed until well combined and fluffy.
  • Gently fold in the cooled blueberry mixture into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to fully blend; you want swirls of blueberry throughout.
  • Stir in the graham cracker crumbs to add that cheesecake element to the ice cream.
  • Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
  • Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  • When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, then scoop into bowls and garnish with extra blueberries.

Notes

Allow the ice cream to soften before serving for easier scooping.
Keyword blueberry, cheesecake, ice cream