Description
Jeni’s Sweet Cream Ice Cream is a rich and creamy homemade ice cream featuring a smooth base made with whole milk, cream cheese, and heavy cream. This recipe uses a cornstarch slurry to thicken the base, resulting in a luscious texture with a slightly tangy undertone from the cream cheese. The addition of light corn syrup ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and softness, making it an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups Whole Milk
- 1 Tablespoon + 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
- 2 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/8 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Light Karo Syrup
Instructions
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry: Whisk together a couple of tablespoons of whole milk with the cornstarch in a small bowl until completely smooth and lump-free. Set this slurry aside to be added later for thickening the ice cream base.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with fine sea salt using a spatula or hand mixer until fully smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Keep at room temperature while you prepare the ice bath.
- Cook the Ice Cream Base: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the remaining whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and light corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to boil for about 4 minutes to develop flavor and achieve the right consistency.
- Thicken with the Cornstarch Slurry: Remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in the reserved cornstarch slurry. Return the pan to the heat and bring back to a boil, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the cream cheese bowl while whisking continuously, ensuring a smooth, silky, and lump-free mixture.
- Chill the Base: Transfer the ice cream base into a large zip-lock freezer bag and seal tightly. Submerge the bag in a prepared ice bath, replacing ice as needed, and chill until completely cold, about 30 minutes. The fully chilled base is essential for optimal churning results.
- Churn: Once chilled, pour the base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency that is thick and creamy.
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, pressing a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for at least 4 hours until firm before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and at room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Boiling the base for 4 minutes is crucial for flavor development.
- Use an ice bath to chill the base quickly to preserve texture and quality.
- Pressing parchment paper on the ice cream surface prevents ice crystals from forming during freezing.
- If you don’t have light corn syrup, you can substitute with an equal amount of glucose syrup or honey for a similar texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Jeni's Ice Cream, Sweet Cream Ice Cream, Homemade Ice Cream, Cream Cheese Ice Cream, Easy Ice Cream Recipe, No Eggs Ice Cream
