Two summers ago, when liam begged me to make "ice cream that looks like his favorite red velvet cake," I thought he was asking for something impossible to make at home. After spending way too much money on store-bought versions that either tasted like artificial chemicals or cost more than dinner for our whole family, I decided to figure out how to make red velvet ice cream myself. What started as my attempt to save money and avoid another grocery store meltdown turned into the dessert that made our summer evenings special and gave me bragging rights at every neighborhood barbecue.
Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Ice Cream
This red velvet ice cream recipe fixes every summer dessert problem I've dealt with over the years - from needing something that actually tastes like the cake it's supposed to be based on, to wanting a treat that doesn't cost a bunch of money or require a trip to some specialty shop across town. I've made this for everyone from my skeptical dad who thinks all homemade ice cream tastes like frozen milk, to liam's friends who usually only eat ice cream if it comes with cartoon characters on the package. They all go back for seconds and ask when I'm making it again.
What makes this different from other Red Velvet Ice Cream Recipe is how the cream cheese and buttermilk work together to make that signature red velvet tang that you can't get from just adding cocoa powder to regular ice cream base. The slight tartness balances out all that sweetness and makes it taste more complex than basic chocolate or vanilla. Plus, you can make it with a regular ice cream maker - no fancy equipment or techniques that only work if you've been making ice cream for twenty years. It churns up thick and creamy, holds its shape when you scoop it, and doesn't turn into a rock-hard block in the freezer like some homemade versions do.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Red Velvet Ice Cream
- Red Velvet Ice Cream Ingredients
- How To Make Red Velvet Ice Cream Step By Step
- Substitutions
- Delicious Twists on Red Velvet Ice Cream
- Equipment For Red Velvet Ice Cream
- Storage Tips
- Top Tip
- FAQ
- Your Summer Dessert Game Just Got Way Better!
- Related
- Pairing
- Red Velvet Ice Cream
Red Velvet Ice Cream Ingredients
The Creamy Base:
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Large egg yolks
- Granulated sugar
- Cream cheese
- Buttermilk
The Red Velvet Flavor:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pure vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- White vinegar
- Salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cream cheese frosting swirl
- Red velvet cake pieces
- White chocolate chips
- Graham cracker crumbs
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Red Velvet Ice Cream Step By Step
Create the Custard Base
- Heat milk and half the cream in saucepan until steaming but not boiling
- Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick
- Slowly add hot milk mixture to yolks while whisking constantly
- Return to pan and cook until it coats back of spoon
Build the Red Velvet Flavor
- Remove custard from heat and whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth
- Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and vinegar
- Stir in red food coloring until you get that vibrant red color
- Add buttermilk and remaining cream, then strain mixture
Chill and Churn
- Cool custard completely in refrigerator for at least 4 hours
- Churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer directions
- Usually takes 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy
- Transfer to freezer container and freeze until firm
Final Touch
- Let soften 5-10 minutes before scooping for best texture
- Serve in bowls or cones with your favorite toppings
- Store covered in freezer up to 2 weeks
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Options:
- Heavy cream → Coconut cream (full-fat)
- Whole milk → Oat milk or almond milk
- Cream cheese → Vegan cream cheese
- Buttermilk → Plant milk with lemon juice
Egg-Free Version:
- Egg yolks → Cornstarch for thickening
- Make simple base without custard
- Still creamy but lighter texture
- Easier for beginners
Sugar Alternatives:
- Granulated sugar → Coconut sugar
- Regular → Sugar-free sweetener
- White → Brown sugar for deeper flavor
- Adjust amounts based on sweetness level
Color Options:
- Red food coloring → Beet juice for natural color
- Gel → Liquid (use less)
- Artificial → Natural alternatives
- Skip coloring for chocolate version
Flavor Twists:
- Cocoa powder → Different cocoa brands
- Vanilla → Almond extract
- Buttermilk → Sour cream for tang
- Plain → Add espresso for mocha version
Delicious Twists on Red Velvet Ice Cream
From experimenting with different flavors and getting requests from family and friends, these variations always get people asking for the recipe.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl:
- Add chunks of cream cheese frosting
- Swirl in graham cracker crumbs
- Creates cheesecake-like texture
- liam's absolute favorite version
Cake Batter Mix-In:
- Fold in actual red velvet cake pieces
- Use day-old cake for best texture
- Add white chocolate chips
- Like eating cake and ice cream together
Chocolate Chip Version:
- Mix in mini chocolate chips
- Use dark chocolate for contrast
- Add during last few minutes of churning
- Perfect for chocolate lovers
Coffee Red Velvet:
- Add shot of espresso to base
- Creates mocha-like flavor
- Great for adult parties
- Balances sweetness with coffee bitterness
Strawberry Red Velvet:
- Swirl in strawberry sauce
- Add fresh diced strawberries
- Natural red color boost
- Fruity twist on classic
Equipment For Red Velvet Ice Cream
- Ice cream maker
- Heavy-bottom saucepan for custard
- Large mixing bowls
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Whisk for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Tips
Freezer Storage (up to 2 weeks):
- Store in airtight containers to prevent ice crystals
- Press plastic wrap directly on surface before covering
- Label with date and flavor
- Keep away from freezer door where temperature fluctuates
Serving Tips:
- Let soften 5-10 minutes before scooping for best texture
- Use warm ice cream scoop for easier serving
- Serve in chilled bowls to prevent melting
- Add toppings just before serving
Make-Ahead Magic:
- Custard base can be made 1-2 days ahead
- Churn day of serving for best texture
- Fresh ice cream tastes better than frozen for weeks
- Perfect for planned parties
What Doesn't Work:
- Don't store uncovered - creates freezer burn
- Avoid refreezing melted ice cream
- Don't add mix-ins until churning
- Skip storing in freezer door
Top Tip
- About a year ago, liam was helping me make this red velvet ice cream for his birthday party, and like most seven-year-olds in the kitchen, he wasn't exactly doing what I told him to do. I had just finished making the custard base and was letting it cool when he decided to "help" by adding what he thought was more vanilla extract to make it taste better. Problem was, he grabbed the bottle of almond extract instead and dumped in way more than we needed for the whole batch.
- I figured the whole thing was totally ruined because almond extract is really strong and can mess up everything else if you use too much. We were about to dump it all out and start over, but the party was in a few hours and we didn't have time to make another batch from scratch. Plus, I'd already used up most of our heavy cream and didn't want to make another trip to the store with a cranky birthday boy in tow.
FAQ
What is the flavor of red velvet ice cream?
Red velvet ice cream tastes like red velvet cake - it's got a mild chocolate flavor from cocoa powder, but it's tangy and sweet instead of rich like regular chocolate. The cream cheese and buttermilk give it that signature tang that makes red velvet different from regular chocolate desserts.
Did Ben and Jerry's discontinue red velvet?
Ben and Jerry's has made red velvet flavors before but they're usually limited edition or seasonal. They don't always have it in stores year-round. Making your own at home means you can have it whenever you want without hunting around different stores.
What is red velvet ice cream made out of?
This homemade version uses heavy cream, milk, egg yolks, sugar, cream cheese, buttermilk, cocoa powder, vanilla, and red food coloring. The cream cheese and buttermilk are what give it that tangy red velvet taste instead of just being chocolate ice cream with red coloring.
Does Blue Bell have red velvet ice cream?
Blue Bell has made red velvet ice cream as a seasonal flavor before, but it's not always available. Their version usually has cake pieces mixed in. Homemade gives you more control over the flavor and you can make it exactly how you like it.
Your Summer Dessert Game Just Got Way Better!
I love how this Red Velvet Ice Cream takes all the mystery out of making restaurant-quality ice cream at home without requiring professional equipment or ingredients you've never heard of. No more paying fifteen bucks for a tiny pint of specialty ice cream that's gone in one sitting, no more disappointment when the "red velvet" flavor tastes like vanilla with food coloring, and definitely no more cranky kids who want something special but have to settle for whatever's on sale. This homemade version gives you that real red velvet cake flavor with the perfect balance of cocoa, tang, and creaminess that makes every scoop worth the effort.
Ready for more recipes that make you look like you know what you're doing in the kitchen without requiring culinary school? Try our foolproof Easy Pineapple Dump Cake: The 3-Ingredient Wonder that gives you bakery-quality results using basic pantry ingredients. For fall gatherings, our Easy Pumpkin Crunch Cake Recipe makes that perfect combination of creamy custard and crunchy topping that beats pumpkin pie every time. Want another make-ahead breakfast winner? Our Best Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats taste like dessert but count as healthy food and make busy mornings so much easier.
Share your red velvet ice cream success! We love seeing your homemade creations, hearing about which variations your family likes best, and reading about the times this recipe saved the day when you needed something special.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate this recipe and join our group of people who've figured out that the best desserts don't have to come from expensive stores!
Need answers to any red velvet ice cream questions? Check our FAQ section right above this!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Red Velvet Ice Cream
Red Velvet Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat milk and cream; whisk yolks with sugar; temper with hot milk; cook until mixture coats spoon.
- Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add cocoa, vanilla, vinegar, red coloring, buttermilk, and remaining cream; strain mixture.
- Refrigerate custard base for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn in ice cream maker until creamy, freeze until firm, then serve softened with toppings if desired.
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