Berry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Extremely easy to make and gorgeous, this is the best summer frozen dessert ever! It's egg-free, no-churn and there's no need to make custard in the stove. You can use any berry you want and it's a great recipe to make with and for kids. Simply mix, fill the popsicle molds and freeze!
Servings 4 popsicles
Ingredients
For the berries:
- 1 cup berries fresh or frozen (I used blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice orange juice also works for a mellower flavor
- 1 or 2 tablespoons water
- or prepare the Basic Blueberry Sauce without the cornstarch using any berry you want
For the cheesecake ice cream base:
- 8 ounces regular cream cheese at room temperature
- ⅔ cup heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar white can also be used
- ¼ teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
For the berries:
- Put 1 cup berries, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 or 2 tablespoons water in a medium saucepan and cook over low or medium heat.
- Stir frequently until it boils. Reduce (let simmer) for a minute or two and remove from heat. Transfer to a shallow container or small bowl and mash berries with a fork or spoon and refrigerate. If making this the same day you mix the ice cream base, then freeze it while making the base. It will be cold enough when you add it.
For the cheesecake ice cream base:
- In a medium bowl beat 8 ounces regular cream cheese, ⅔ cup heavy cream and ⅓ cup light brown sugar just until smooth. Don't overbeat.
- Add ¼ teaspoon orange zest, ¼ teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of sea salt.
- Take out the berry mixture and combine them with the cheese mixture. It's important to do this lightly; we want pools of berries and a light marbling. I use a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the popsicle molds (it fills 4-6 depending on the size) making sure you add the sticks.
- Freeze, covered by plastic wrap or freezer sheets. Eat straight from the freezer.
- If wanting to scoop it into bowls and not make popsicles, use a freezer-safe container and take it out about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften a little.
Notes
Popsicle molds: besides them being made of silicone or plastic, there are some that come with the stick incorporated and some that don't so make sure they add the wooden sticks! Otherwise, you won't be able to remove them probably.
Fruit: I love berries of any type, but you can also add other fresh fruit in small pieces.
Flavorings: you can also make it with no fruit, and vary the cheesecake flavor with lemon zest, or only an extract like vanilla, coffee, or almond.
