Description
A delightful dessert that perfectly balances the creamy richness of cheesecake with the tart brightness of fresh lemons, ideal for hot summer days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: crushed graham crackers for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking until well combined.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until fully incorporated.
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions for 20-25 minutes until soft-serve consistency.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir vigorously with a fork every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours until firm and creamy.
- Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container, layering with crushed graham crackers if desired.
- Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
- Serve in bowls or cones, garnished with additional lemon zest or crushed graham crackers if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and allow cream cheese to soften completely to ensure a smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ice cream, summer dessert, lemon cheesecake, frozen treats, homemade ice cream