Get ready to fall in love with Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream — your new go-to vegan treat for warm weather indulgence or anytime you want a taste of creamy, dreamy bliss. This recipe transforms wholesome, plant-based ingredients into an ice cream that’s lusciously rich, tangy, and bursting with vibrant blueberry flavor. And that color? Absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegan & Dairy-Free Dream: Satisfy those creamy cheesecake cravings without a drop of dairy—no one will believe it’s plant-based!
- Naturally Colorful & Sweet: Blueberries and black grapes create that gorgeous purple swirl and a natural sweetness that’s irresistible.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: Yes, you get creamy results even without an ice cream maker—just a blender and a little patience.
- Prep Ahead or On the Fly: Minimal prep time means you can whip this up for a last-minute treat or make ahead for special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how this Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream requires only a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that truly make every scoop sing. Each element brings something unique—whether it’s creamy texture, natural sweetness, or that unmistakable hint of tang that elevates every bite.
- Raw, unsalted cashews: The secret to a rich, creamy base without cream cheese or dairy—just soak them unless you have a high-powered blender.
- Canned lite coconut milk or cashew milk: Adds luscious creaminess and keeps things light; both work beautifully, so use your favorite.
- Dairy-free vanilla yogurt: This gives a delightfully tangy flavor and thick, velvety scoopability reminiscent of real cheesecake.
- Lemon juice: Don’t skip the lemon! It brings brightness and that signature cheesecake tang; use more if you love it extra-tart.
- Blueberries: The star for both color and juicy bursts of berry flavor. Frozen or fresh are equally delicious here.
- Black grapes: Nature’s sweetener and a little color-booster—plus, they mellow the blueberries with lovely, subtle sweetness.
- Maple syrup or agave: Adds just the right sweetness, keeping it refined sugar free and perfectly sticky-smooth.
- Vanilla extract: For that bakery-fresh aroma and deep flavor that says, “this is cheesecake!”
- Fine sea salt: Balances all the sweet and tart notes—never underestimate a pinch of salt in desserts.
- Optional coconut sugar: If you like things sweeter, or if your fruit is a little tart, coconut sugar boosts the sweetness and depth.
Variations
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is endlessly customizable—so feel free to get creative! Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge, following a special diet, or just want a fun twist, these variations make it easy to craft your perfect scoop.
- Swap the berries: Try raspberries, blackberries, or cherries if you want a new flavor adventure or to use what’s in season.
- Nuttier crust vibes: Gently fold in bits of gluten-free graham cracker or shortbread for that classic cheesecake crunch.
- Sugar-free version: Use a stevia or monk fruit blend instead of maple syrup for a lower-sugar treat that’s still bursting with flavor.
- Extra tang: Add a bit more lemon juice or even a pinch of lemon zest for a brighter, punchier cheesecake zing.
- Chocolate swirl: Drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate into the churned ice cream before freezing for a decadent twist.
How to Make Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Step 1: Prep and Soak Cashews (if needed)
If you don’t have a high-powered blender, start by soaking your cashews in warm water for 8 hours or overnight. This ensures your ice cream base turns ultra-smooth and creamy, not gritty. After soaking, drain and rinse well, then set aside. If you’re using a powerful blender, you can skip this and jump right in!
Step 2: Blend Until Velvety Smooth
Add the soaked (or unsoaked, if you have a high-speed blender) cashews, coconut or cashew milk, dairy-free yogurt, lemon juice, blueberries, black grapes, maple syrup (or agave), vanilla extract, and sea salt to your blender. Blend on high, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and decide if you want a little extra sweetness—if so, blend in the coconut sugar.
Step 3: Freeze and Stir (No-Churn Method)
Pour your gorgeous purple ice cream base into a container with a tight-fitting lid, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface. Pop it in the freezer for about an hour. Then, give it a good stir—edges will firm up first. Repeat every 30-60 minutes until the ice cream is solid or reaches your perfect consistency, usually in a couple of hours or so.
Step 4: (Optional) Use an Ice Cream Maker
If you have an ice cream maker, you can churn the mixture for an even silkier, creamier result. Follow your machine’s instructions, then transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze until set to your liking.
Step 5: Soften and Serve
If you’re freezing overnight or longer, don’t worry if Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream becomes quite firm. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before scooping for that perfect creamy texture.
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
- Ultra-Smooth Cashew Base: Always soak your cashews if you don’t have a high-powered blender—this is the secret to that dreamy, creamy texture.
- Color-Boost Secret: Don’t skip the black grapes; not only do they add natural sweetness, but they intensify that gorgeous blue-purple hue.
- The Taste Test: Blend and taste before adding any extra sugar—the fruit is usually sweet enough, so you can control exactly how decadent you want your ice cream.
- Freezer-Friendly Creaminess: When storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream’s surface to prevent freezer crystals and maintain luscious scoopability.
How to Serve Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Garnishes
Take your scoops to the next level with a flourish of fresh blueberries, a sprinkle of crushed vegan graham crackers, or even a light lemon zest twist on top. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a handful of toasted coconut flakes also makes this Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream look (and taste) so decadent!
Side Dishes
This bright, creamy ice cream is fantastic solo but pairs beautifully with vegan lemon shortbread cookies or crispy oat crisps for crunch. For a festive dessert platter, serve alongside a mix of fresh berries or a slice of chilled fruit tart for even more summery goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For party wow-factor, serve Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream in vintage sundae glasses layered with crumbled granola, or scoop into mini cones and dip them in melted vegan white chocolate. These vibrant purple swirls also shine as an ice cream sandwich filling or a fun topping for brunch pancakes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream to an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface. Stored this way, it keeps its smooth, creamy texture and stays tasting fresh for up to a week in the freezer.
Freezing
This ice cream is ideal for making ahead—just freeze until firm, then let it thaw briefly at room temperature to soften before serving. If it hardens too much, letting it sit for 10–15 minutes will bring it back to scoopable, dreamy perfection.
Reheating
Ice cream doesn’t need reheating, of course—but if your Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is super-firm from a long chill, simply let it rest on the counter for a few minutes, or pop the container (not metal!) in the microwave on low for 10–15 seconds to soften just enough to scoop.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe—just add them straight to the blender. They’ll blend right in for gorgeous color and flavor, and you don’t need to thaw them first.
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Do I have to use an ice cream maker for this vegan recipe?
No ice cream maker? No problem! The no-churn method creates a creamy Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream by stirring during the freezing process. If you do have a machine, use it for even silkier results—either way, it’s a win.
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I don’t like coconut milk—what can I use instead?
Cashew milk is an excellent substitute and keeps the base just as velvety. You could also try another neutral-tasting plant milk, but avoid anything too watery for best results.
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Can I make this Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream nut-free?
While cashews are key for the signature creaminess, you can experiment with sunflower seed butter or silken tofu, though the texture and flavor will change a bit. Use your favorite nut-free plant milk for the base.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an ice cream with wow-factor and nourishing ingredients, this Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream truly delivers it all. It’s simple, refreshing, and a total crowd-pleaser—so take a scoop (or two!), share with friends, and savor every tangy, fruity bite. I can’t wait for you to dive in!
PrintBlueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 3 heaping cups (about 6 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the creamy, fruity goodness of this Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream. Made with wholesome ingredients like cashews, coconut milk, blueberries, and grapes, this dairy-free treat is a refreshing delight for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Cashew Mixture:
- 1 cup (150g) raw, unsalted cashews
- 3/4 cup (180g) ‘lite’ canned coconut milk or cashew milk
- 1/2 cup (120g) vanilla dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (30g) lemon juice
Fruit Blend:
- 1 cup (150g) blueberries
- 1/2 heaped cup (90g) black grapes
- 1/4 cup (80g) pure maple syrup or agave
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons (20g) coconut sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cashew Mixture: Soak cashews for 8 hours if needed. Drain and rinse if soaked. Blend cashews, coconut milk, yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Mix Fruit Blend: Blend blueberries, grapes, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add to cashew mixture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and add coconut sugar if desired. Blend until combined.
- Freeze: Use an ice cream maker if available. Otherwise, freeze mixture, stirring every 30 minutes until solid.
- Serve: Soften slightly before scooping and enjoying.
Notes
- If using coconut sugar, adjust sweetness to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 229
- Sugar: 16.3g
- Sodium: 116mg
- Fat: 12.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5.9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26.4g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Protein: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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