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Low-Calorie Cheesecake Ice Cream - Creamy, Light, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz (225 g) light cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups plain nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt (thick, strained style works best)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk; choose what you like)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sweetener of choice (allulose or erythritol/monk fruit blend for low-calorie; or 1/3 cup sugar for a lightly sweet version)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but recommended)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup diced strawberries or blueberries; 2 tablespoons crushed light graham crackers; 2 tablespoons sugar-free strawberry jam for swirl

Method
 

  1. Soften the cream cheese. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes so it blends smoothly. Cold cream cheese can leave lumps.
  2. Blend the base. In a blender or food processor, add cream cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, sweetener, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and airy, about 30–45 seconds. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon.
  3. Chill the mixture. Transfer to a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours. A cold base freezes faster and creamier.
  4. If using an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 15–20 minutes, until it reaches soft-serve consistency. Fold in any mix-ins at the end.
  5. If making no-churn. Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe pan. For best texture, freeze for 2–3 hours, whisking or stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals. After 2 hours, fold in any mix-ins and return to the freezer.
  6. Freeze to set. Once it reaches soft-serve stage, you can serve immediately or transfer to a lidded container and freeze 2–4 more hours for scoopable firmness.
  7. Serve smart. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. Dip your scoop in warm water for cleaner, round scoops.