Best Cheesecake Ice Cream

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For this cheesecake ice cream, I took my basic no-bake cheesecake recipe and froze it. Unlike other homemade ice creams that have condensed milk, this one has only cheesecake ingredients. As a result, it’s rich, decadent, yet light and refreshing.

A sliced frozen cheesecake ice cream. — Ice Cream Cake – Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

It’s getting warmer here these days. So, while a cheesecake is, of course, desirable why not have a cheesecake and ice cream. Right? And, this one is simple, easy, and also our family favorite.

Unlike traditional ice cream made with custard using egg yolks, milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Of course, this needs the use of an ice cream maker based on the manufactures instructions. This ice cream does not need any of those things.

Table of Contents

Why make this cheesecake?

If you haven’t tried a frozen cheesecake then you are in for a big surprise. This takes homemade ice cream to the next level!!
This is a fuss-free recipe with just a handful of ingredients and a simple, easy process. In addition, this is a no-churn ice cream. Therefore, it doesn’t require an ice cream maker.
I made this ice cream cake in the hot and humid month of June. And, while I thought it would not last long, it really did hold well.
There are three components to making this cheesecake.
- Preparing the crust
- Preparing the cream cheese mixture
- Assembly
I am making the classic vanilla flavor but you can customize it with so much much more.

A slice of cheesecake on a plate. — Ice Cream Cake – Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients and substitutes

Cream Cheese – I always use Mascarpone or Philadelphia because it’s what I find in my supermarket. I’m not brand conscious, so any cream cheese with a fat content of over 40% will work well.
Whipping cream – Again full-fat heavy cream is the only way to go here. No low-fat versions.
Sour cream – Adds a real zing, but you must use full-fat as well. You can also use my homemade sour cream recipe, which is made with full-fat cream.
Cookie crust – Most commonly used for cheesecake base are the graham crackers or digestive biscuits. If you don’t have any cookies on hand, you can even make your cheesecake crust from scratch. I have a detailed recipe for you – Homemade cheesecake crust.

Ingredients shots for Frozen ice cream cheesecake. — Ice Cream Cake – Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

Cheesecake Ice Cream

Crust

Crush the graham cracker/biscuits in a food processor. Add sugar and the melted butter and stir to combine.
Pro tip – You can also place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.
Pour the graham cracker crumbs into a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of your spoon or measuring cup to press the crumbs firmly to form a crust. I am using an 8-inch springform pan because I like a little height in my cheesecakes.
Pro tip – Pressing down firmly will ensure a good base for the cheesecake and it won’t fall apart when you cut slices.
Place the crust in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill. This will ensure the crust sets which prevents crumbs in the batter.

Progress pictures collage for frozen cheesecake ice cream. — Ice Cream Cake – Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

Cheesecake mixture

Whipping cream – In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment whip the whipping cream to stiff peaks. Remove from the bowl and set aside.
Cream cheese – In the same bowl with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, and sour cream. Make sure there are no lumps. Add the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula. Combine well.
Pro tip – At this point you can also add any other ingredients such as fruit fillings or sauces if you plan to make a flavored cheesecake ice cream, such as strawberry puree for strawberry cheesecake ice cream.
Pour the mixture over the chilled cookie crust. Tap on the counter 2 to 3 times to help the mixture settle. Use an offset spatula to level the top well.

Progress pictures collage for cheesecake frozen ice cream. — Ice Cream Cake – Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

Freeze the cheesecake

Freeze the cheesecake in the freezer for a minimum of 6 hours – I prefer to leave it overnight for 12 hours.
Run a hot knife around the cake to loosen it from the pan. If frozen hard, let the cheesecake rest for 5 minutes at room temperature. This will make it easier to cut.
Pro tip – Use a knife dipped in hot water to cut perfect slices.
This cheesecake ice cream can be served as is and needs nothing else. But, you can certainly add fresh fruits, sauces, or whipped cream swirls. I often serve it with a fruit filling, such as a raspberry filling or lemon curd.

Progress pictures collage for ice cream cheesecake. — Ice Cream Cake – Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

Tips for success

There are three secrets to making a cheesecake ice cream that’s creamy and delicious, not icy.

All your ingredients must be full-fat. No low-fat whipping cream or cream cheese. It’s the high-fat percentage that gives a creamy cheesecake ice cream. Low fat will have lots of ice crystals
Whip the whipping cream to stiff peaks. This is very important which is why I do it separately in another bowl and then fold it in. Make sure the whipped cream is thoroughly chilled so it will whip to stiff peaks. This is what makes it light and refreshing.
Chill it for at least 6 hours or more. Otherwise, you will find it melts away easily.

Three slices of cheesecake on three plates. — Ice Cream Cake – Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

How do you serve cheesecake ice cream?

You can use fruits such as blackberries, raspberries, mixed berries, strawberries, as well as mango, cherries, lemon, etc
Toppings – This is a basic cheesecake ice crem but it can be topped with an endless list of toppings such as fruit sauce or pie filling such as strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, mango, as well as, caramel sauce, butterscotch sauce, or chocolate syrup.

More ice cream recipes

A slice of cheesecake with strawberry sauce on a plate. — Ice Cream Cake – Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

Frequently asked questions

How long will this cheesecake ice cream keep?

This ice cream cake will keep in the fridge for up to three months.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

This cheesecake ice cream can be frozen for up to 3 months, which means you can make it much in advance of the time you need it.

What other pans can I use for this cheesecake?

This batter works best in an 8-inch springform pan (about 2 inches), or 9-inch springform pan (about 1 1/2 inch cheesecake), or 9 x 11 sheet pan or 8 x 8 square pan.
You can halve the recipe to make a 7-inch springform pan or
24 mini cheesecakes.

Can I make this a gluten-free cheesecake?

Absolutely, just replace the graham crackers with gluten-free biscuits and you can use this recipe as a gluten-free cheesecake ice cream. It also makes a delicious dessert for Passover.