Easy No Churn Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream (So Good!)
This Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is loaded with all of the familiar flavors of this popular dessert. A creamy, tangy cheesecake ice cream base swirled with a fresh blueberry sauce, and if you like, topped with crunchy graham cracker crumbs. And did I mention that this is a no-churn ice cream recipe? No ice cream maker required – the perfect easy ice cream recipe for a hot, summer day!
Creating This Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe
Okay, so I can get excited over homemade ice cream; like, really excited.
It’s so easy to whip up, especially when you use a recipe that doesn’t require standing over a hot stove, waiting for the custard to coat the back of a spoon.
And that means you don’t need to wait for hours for custard to cool down so you can freeze it without worrying about ice crystals. I’m all about instant gratification.
I keep wanting to try this recipe with little chunks of cream cheese in the ice cream, but I always forget or get impatient.
Maybe next time I’ll give that a try. Or, if I’m feeling particularly ambitious, I’ll use pieces of real cheesecake.
This recipe was originally written and published by former contributor Erica Kastner of Buttered Side Up on August 7, 2013. It has been edited from the archives to include additional information.
What I Love About this Creamy Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
3 reasons I think this is my favorite blueberry ice cream recipe:
- I love the sweetness of the blueberries paired with the tanginess of the cream cheese ice cream base.
- It is a great way to use frozen or fresh blueberries if you have an abundance.
- This recipe is easy to make and don’t require an ice cream maker if you don’t have one.
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Tools Used to Prepare this Ice Cream Recipe
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For preparing the cheesecake ice cream base.
- Ice Cream Maker: We love this ice cream maker from Cuisinart. It’s very easy to use and makes big batches, but read on to find instructions for preparing this Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream without an ice cream maker.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Place the ice cream scoop under running warm water to make it easier to scoop out the key lime ice cream.
- Ice Cream Freezer Containers: Make your homemade ice cream look professional!
Ingredients in Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
- Fresh Blueberries
- Granulated Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Cream Cheese
- Demerara Sugar
- Granulated Sugar
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Vanilla Extract
- Lemon Juice
- Graham Cracker Pieces – Optional
If you don’t have fresh blueberries, you can also use frozen blueberries. Thawing the frozen blueberries is not necessary prior to making this recipe.
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Make Homemade Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Making the Blueberry Mixture for the Ice Cream
- First, place the blueberries and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until the berries burst and release their juices, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, pour into a heat-proof bowl, and place in the freezer to cool.
OPTION: if you don’t want chunks of blueberry skins, then you can transfer this mixture to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
Making the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base
- Then, place the cream cheese and demerara in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth using hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Add 1/2 cup of cream and beat until well incorporated.
- Add the remaining cream and vanilla and whip until stiff peaks form.
Churning the Ice Cream
If using an ice cream maker, churn the cream mixture according to manufacturer’s instructions. Add the berries in the last few minutes of churning. Scoop into a freezer container and freeze until firm.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
How to Make this Recipe Without an Ice Cream Machine
Don’t own an ice cream maker? No worries — this ice cream doesn’t require one!
The cream is whipped before adding to the rest of the ingredients to ensure a nice, fluffy ice cream without churning. I just happen to own an ice cream maker, so I used it for this recipe; it turned out beautifully. But, you can use the no churn method, too.
If NOT using an ice cream maker, you can combine the blueberry sauce and creamy base in a freezer safe container with a lid. Then, cover and freeze until firm or at least 6 hours.
How to Swirl Blueberries in Ice Cream
If you prefer a more swirled look in your blueberry cheesecake ice cream, you can use the following steps and layer the elements in an ice cream container:
- 1/4 of the Cheesecake Base
- 1/4 of the Blueberry Sauce
- OPTIONAL – Graham Cracker Pieces, broken into small bits
- Repeat!
If you try to swirl the layers, the ingredients can end up too mixed up that you don’t really see thick ribbons of swirl throughout. By layering in this way, you’ll keep the elements more distinct.
That way you end up with bites of crunchy graham cracker (if you choose to use it) or big thick swirls of blueberry sauce throughout the ice cream mixture. It tastes so much better this way!
If you like a pretty presentation, make sure that the very top layer is the blueberry sauce Then, run a knife through the top layer to drag the blueberries into a pattern.
Serving this Delicious Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
You might not think of homemade ice cream as something to dress up when serving, but there are some fun ways to serve this ice cream recipe:
Now that you’ve got this blueberry no churn ice cream all mixed up, here are my suggestions for serving it:
You might not think of homemade ice cream as something to dress up when serving, but there are some fun ways to serve this ice cream recipe:
- Serve it in a waffle cone or in a bowl – both ways taste amazing!
- Are you a big fan of blueberries? Try topping your bowl of ice cream with a few fresh blueberries.
- For even more blueberry flavor, try serving this blueberry sauce on top of the ice cream.
- Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon of graham cracker crumbs.
- Sliced Almonds are another great topping idea that makes a pretty presentation.
- Whipped Cream and Sprinkles (look pretty purple sprinkles) are always topping winners with kids!
This ice cream freezes up fairly hard, so you’ll want to let it thaw a bit in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
How Long Does Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream Last?
If stored in an airtight container, this recipe can last up to 2 months. This recipe is preservative-free, so the homemade ice cream is more prone to developing freezer burn.
TIP: For best results, make sure your storage container is considered a freezer safe container.
Photo Credit: Erica
Variations of this Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe
Want to change up this fabulous ice cream recipe and make a different ice cream flavor? You can substitute your favorite berry for blueberries and come up with several different cheesecake ice cream variations. Here are some ideas:
- Raspberries – Make a raspberry sauce by substituting raspberries for the blueberries. Then, stir that into the ice cream base for a raspberry cheesecake flavor.
- Blackberries – Use blackberries in place of the blueberries for a blackberry cheesecake flavored ice cream.
- Strawberries – Or, strawberries could also be used as a blueberry substitute for another variety.
- Extra Lemon Flavor – Add some lemon zest to the blueberries or the cheesecake ice cream base.
More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes
No Churn Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream is swirled with layers of Pumpkin Caramel and Crunchy Gingersnaps for the perfect fall ice cream recipe!
Try your hand at making homemade dairy-free ice cream with this recipe for Pistachio Ice Cream.
You’ll never believe that this decadent Toasted Coconut Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream is non-dairy! Toasted coconut and dark chocolate chunks are mixed in to a completely dairy-free coconut ice cream base.
In this recipe for No Churn Brownie Chunk Ice Cream with Vanilla Bourbon Caramel, creamy vanilla no churn ice cream is layered with chewy brownie chunks and swirled with sweet and salty vanilla bourbon caramel sauce.
This Easy Lemon Ice Cream recipe is sweetened with agave nectar and is ultra creamy thanks to a combination of milk, heavy cream, and half and half.
This Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is loaded with all of the familiar flavors of your favorite pie — even the crunchy graham cracker crust!
What is your favorite type of ice cream
Photo Credit: Erica
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Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
For the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base
- 6 ounces Full Fat Cream Cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup Demerara sugar
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream, chilled
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
Garnish
- Graham Cracker Pieces, optional
Instructions
For the Blueberry Sauce
- Place the blueberries and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until the berries burst and release their juices, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, pour into a heat-proof bowl, and place in the freezer to cool.
For the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base
- Place the cream cheese and demerara in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup of cream and beat until well incorporated.
- Add the remaining cream, vanilla, and lemon juice and whip until stiff peaks form.
Churning the Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
- If using an ice cream maker, churn the cream mixture according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Add the berries in the last few minutes of churning. Scoop into a freezer container and freeze until firm.
- If NOT using an ice cream maker, spread half of the cream mixture in a plastic container.
- Top with half of the blueberries then the other half of the cream, then the remaining blueberries.
- Swirl with a knife. Cover and freeze until firm or at least 6 hours.
Notes
TIP: Make sure to allow the ice cream to thaw a bit before serving for optimal flavor.
Now that you’ve got this blueberry no churn ice cream all mixed up, here are my suggestions for serving it:
- Serve it in a waffle cone or in a bowl – both ways taste amazing!
- Are you a big fan of blueberries? Try topping your bowl of ice cream with a few fresh blueberries.
- For even more blueberry flavor, try serving this blueberry sauce on top of the ice cream.
- Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon of graham cracker crumbs.
- Sliced Almonds are another great topping idea that makes a pretty presentation.
- Whipped Cream and Sprinkles (look pretty purple sprinkles) are always topping winners with kids!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 369Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 83mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 3g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Did You Try This Decadent Ice Cream?
What did your family think of this easy recipe for Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream? If you tried it, I’d love to hear from you! If you loved it, leave a comment below and give this simple recipe a five star rating and review for others to see what you thought of this creamy ice cream.
Ivy says
This looks really good and I’ve been dying to make ice cream but I lack a ice cream maker! This recipe was exactly what I needed!
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says
This look incredibly tasty. I really need to give it a try STAT!
Julie says
Love the idea of whipping everything so you can skip the churning step!
matmedmera says
Nice recipe! I love blueberries and I pick a lot of this summer. Now I can use them to make this ice cream
Greetings from Sweden/ Gosia
Laura says
Yum this is going to be a big hit in our family!
Alicia J. says
My husband loved blueberry cheesecake ice cream. Our local ice cream shop ran out for the summer is isn’t offering it anymore. So I’ve been looking for a good, easy recipe because I don’t own an ice cream maker. I think I’ll give this a try. One question though, where would you suggest adding the chunks of cream cheese or cheesecake into this recipe?
Erica Kastner says
If you like that added texture, I’d say go for it! If you prefer a smoother (non-chunky) ice cream, you might want to skip it. I want to try it with chunks of cream cheese next time! But I would cut them into VERY small pieces so you don’t get too much of a sour surprise. 🙂
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Dang, this flavour is awesome!!
DessertForTwo says
I love Erica’s recipes! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
I’ve always loved blueberry cheesecake ice cream – it used to be one of the flavors at a local ice cream shop when I was young! The taste is amazing – yours looks delicious!
Missy says
Do you have to use demerara sugar in this recipe? Can you substitute granulated white sugar? Thanks.
Erica Kastner says
Missy: Yes, it is fine to use granulated white sugar!
Ruthy @ Omeletta says
Beautiful! I’m such a ridiculous fan of cheesecake, and a blueberry cheesecake ICE CREAM sounds like total perfection- I love the idea of adding extra chunks of actual cheesecake straight in! My ice cream maker has been my best friend this summer; will have to try this one out.