Velvet Red Ice Cream with Cream Cheese Swirl

A luscious homemade ice cream with a rich red velvet flavor, swirled with cream cheese frosting and studded with cake crumbs—perfect for a romantic treat.

This ice cream is a dream for red velvet lovers. The base is creamy and tangy from buttermilk, with a hint of cocoa and a vibrant red color. Swirling in a smooth cream cheese frosting and chunks of red velvet cake makes every scoop a delightful surprise.

It's surprisingly easy to make at home, especially if you have an ice cream maker. The result is a rich, indulgent dessert that's perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. Serve it in bowls or cones, and watch it disappear!

Ingredients

Servings 8

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, buttermilk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the red food coloring until you reach your desired shade (remember it will lighten after churning). Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.
  2. Meanwhile, place the bowl of your ice cream maker in the freezer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  3. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
  4. Give the chilled ice cream base a good stir, then pour it into the frozen bowl of the ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and has the consistency of soft-serve ice cream.
  5. Spread about one-third of the churned ice cream into a 9-by-4-inch loaf pan. Dollop one-third of the cream cheese mixture over the top and gently swirl it into the ice cream with a knife or spatula. Sprinkle with one-third of the crumbled red velvet cake. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a layer of cake crumbs.
  6. Cover the loaf pan tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent ice crystals. Freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or up to 1 month.

💡 Tips

  • For a more intense red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid—it won't thin the base as much.
  • If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the base into a shallow dish, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes until creamy.
  • Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for easier serving.

Inspired by a recipe from Delish

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