Next, I whip in the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt with the cream cheese mixture. This combines all those comforting flavors that scream "cheesecake" without being overly sweet. I fold in the mashed raspberry mixture gently, allowing those vibrant pink hues to swirl joyfully throughout the ice cream base. This step is where the fun begins—you’ll want to be careful not to overmix so that those lovely raspberry pockets are still visible.
Once everything is beautifully combined, I pour the mixture into my ice cream maker and let it churn per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes. While it’s churning, I look forward to the creamy, fruity goodness that’s about to emerge! After churning, I transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top if I’m feeling fancy, giving it that cheesecake crust experience.
Finally, I pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours to firm up before diving in. Patience is key here, but the anticipation only makes the first scoop taste even better. You’ll be so proud of the beautiful, rich product you created!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this three ways—first with frozen raspberries, then with fresh, and finally mixing in some store-bought raspberry sauce. While all options produced delicious ice cream, fresh raspberries took the crown for that vibrant flavor and texture. You want that summer essence captured in every bite, and nothing beats fresh ingredients!
Also, I recommend letting your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about an hour before you begin. This simple tip allows it to blend more easily with the other ingredients, helping create that smooth, velvety consistency that is so tempting. Trust me, you don’t want any lumps in your creamy mixture!
Lastly, don’t rush the freezing process! I know it’s tempting to dig in right after churning, but the flavors really develop once it spends enough time in the freezer. I like to make mine the day before I plan to serve it, letting it chill overnight to achieve that perfect scoopable texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made on my first attempt was not mashing the raspberries enough. I wanted some whole berries to add texture, which is great, but too many left them tasting a bit underwhelming and made the mixture too chunky. Learning to find that perfect balance of mashed versus whole berries is key to creating delightful bites without overwhelming your taste buds. (See the next page below to continue…)