Print

Red Velvet Ice Cream with Cream Cheese Swirl

Red Velvet Ice Cream with Cream Cheese Swirl

Red Velvet Ice Cream with Cream Cheese Swirl is a luscious homemade frozen dessert that perfectly balances the rich cocoa flavor and vibrant red hue of red velvet with a tangy, velvety cream cheese ribbon. Creamy, smooth, and visually stunning, it’s ideal for warm summer days or special occasions, offering a nostalgic yet fresh treat made from simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Ice Cream Base

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjustable for sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or sour cream
  • Optional: 4 egg yolks (for custard-style base)

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Red Velvet Ice Cream Base: In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, cocoa powder, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and buttermilk or sour cream. For custard-style ice cream, gently warm the mixture on low heat, then temper in the egg yolks and cook until the mixture slightly thickens. Chill the ice cream base thoroughly in the refrigerator before churning.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl: While the base is chilling, soften the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely combined and creamy. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  3. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled ice cream base into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually 20-30 minutes.
  4. Layer the Ice Cream and Cream Cheese Swirl: In a freezer-safe container, alternate layers of churned red velvet ice cream with dollops of the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the ice cream, creating beautiful ribbons without over-mixing.
  5. Freeze Until Firm: Cover the container tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm enough to scoop easily.

Notes

  • Chill all ingredients well before churning to prevent ice crystals and ensure a smooth texture.
  • Use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder for deeper color and flavor.
  • Do not over-swirl the cream cheese to maintain distinct ribbons of flavor and texture.
  • Soften cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the swirl.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually by tasting the base mixture before churning, balancing against the tangy cream cheese swirl.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet ice cream, cream cheese swirl, homemade ice cream, red velvet dessert, creamy ice cream, custard ice cream, no churn ice cream