Copycat Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream

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For all my fellow dessert lovers who relish a good DIY challenge and for those craving something uniquely satisfying, this Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream recipe is your new go-to. It’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day or adding a special touch to family dinners. Trust me, once you try this delightful concoction, every scoop will take you on a blissful journey of creamy and crunchy textures that melt seamlessly in your mouth.

How to make Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream

Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream is a flavor produced by Blue Bell Creameries, a well-known American ice cream company. This particular flavor combines several popular dessert elements into one indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own batch of Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream:

For the Cheesecake Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Cookies and Cream Mixture:

• 15 Oreo cookies (or similar cream-filled chocolate cookies), roughly chopped
• Additional cookies for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ice Cream Base:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
2. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to beat the mixture until it is completely smooth and has thickened slightly. This is your cheesecake ice cream base.

Churn the Ice Cream:

1. Pour the prepared ice cream base into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the ice cream is thick and creamy, usually about 20-25 minutes.

Add the Cookies:

1. In the last 5 minutes of churning, add the chopped Oreo cookies into the ice cream maker, allowing them to mix thoroughly into the ice cream.

Freeze to Firm:

1. Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. If you desire a more pronounced cookie layer, you can layer the ice cream with additional chopped cookies as you transfer it.
2. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop.

Serve:

1. Once the ice cream is thoroughly frozen, scoop and serve in bowls or cones. Garnish with additional cookie pieces or crumbled cookie dust if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Ice Cream:

• Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cream cheese is at room temperature so it blends smoothly without lumps.
• Consistency: For a softer ice cream, eat it right out of the ice cream maker. For a firmer consistency, let it freeze longer.
• Customization: Feel free to add a swirl of chocolate syrup or caramel for an extra decadent twist.
• Serving Suggestion: If you’re looking for an impressive way to serve, try scooping your ice cream on top of a graham cracker crust for an authentic cheesecake experience.

What to serve with

When it comes to serving your homemade Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream, the possibilities are truly tantalizing. Here are some delightful pairings that will elevate your ice cream experience to ultimate dessert status:

Warm Desserts:

• Brownies: A warm, gooey brownie beneath a scoop of this chilled treat is a classic pairing for a reason. The contrast of temperatures and textures makes every bite indulgent.
• Fruit Pies: Think apple pie or peach cobbler with a scoop of cookies and cream cheesecake ice cream melting into those warm, spiced flavors. It’s pure comfort in a dish.

Drizzled Toppings:

• Hot Fudge or Caramel Sauce: Drizzle generously for a rich, velvety texture that complements crunchy cookie bits.
• Berry Coulis: For a fruity twist, a fresh raspberry or strawberry coulis can add a tart contrast to the sweet ice cream.

Whipped Cream:

• Top your ice cream with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. Try flavoring it with a bit of vanilla or almond extract for extra flair.

Beverages:

• Coffee: Serve a scoop alongside a steaming cup of coffee or espresso. The ice cream can even act as a creamy sweetener for the coffee.
• Milkshakes: For an even more decadent treat, blend the ice cream with some milk and top with whipped cream and a cookie for a mind-blowing milkshake.

Edible Bowls:

• Waffle Cones or Bowls: An edible vessel makes for fun eating and extra crunch. A homemade waffle bowl adds warmth and a vanilla-scented aroma.
• Chocolate Cups: For a fully edible dessert, create your own chocolate cups to serve a scoop of ice cream in.

Garnishes:

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Shavings: Fine shavings of dark, milk, or white chocolate can add another layer of chocolate that pairs nicely with the cookies in the ice cream.
• Fresh Berries: For a lighter touch, scatter fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries for a burst of freshness.

Layered Desserts:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop between two cookies or brownies for a handheld treat.
• Parfaits: For an eye-catching dessert, layer your ice cream with crumbled cookies, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup in a tall glass.

Cakes and Cupcakes:

• Use a scoop as the ‘frosting’ on a chocolate cupcake or alongside a slice of chocolate lava cake.

Themed Desserts:

• Holiday Pies: Serve it with a slice of pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving or a peppermint brownie during Christmas.

Ingredients Substitutes

Even when you don’t have all the original ingredients on hand, creating a delicious batch of Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream can be done. Here are alternatives you can consider:

Heavy Whipping Cream:

• Full-fat coconut Milk can be a dairy-free replacement for heavy cream. However, it will impart a coconut flavor to the ice cream.
• Light Cream: If you want to reduce the fat content slightly, light cream could work, though it will result in a less rich ice cream.

Full-Fat Sour Cream:

• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier swap with similar tangy notes, thick Greek yogurt can be used.
• Crème Fraîche: If you happen to have this on hand, it will work as a higher-fat and less tangy substitute for sour cream.

Cream Cheese:

• Neufchâtel Cheese: This cream cheese has a lower fat content but similar texture and flavor.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Though slightly sweeter and richer, mascarpone can be a decadent substitute.
• Ricotta Cheese: If whipped until smooth, ricotta can be an alternative, though it’s not as creamy and may change the texture slightly.

Granulated Sugar:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: These can be used as natural sweeteners. However, their liquid nature means you’ll need to adjust the quantity and may result in a softer set for the ice cream.
• Powdered Sugar: This can be used instead of granulated sugar and may even help reduce grittiness.

Vanilla Extract:

• Vanilla Bean Paste: This gives a stronger vanilla flavor with the added aesthetic of vanilla bean specks.
• Vanilla Sugar: If you have it, vanilla sugar can replace granulated sugar and vanilla extract in the recipe.

Salt:

• Sea Salt: A finer grain sea salt can be used for a purer, slightly mineral flavor.
• Kosher Salt: This can be substituted in equal amounts for the table salt.

Oreo Cookies:

• Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Any generic brand of chocolate sandwich cookies can stand in for Oreos.
• Chocolate Wafers: Use chocolate wafers and a separate filling of cream to mimic the sandwich cookie texture.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: For a gluten-free version of the ice cream, look for gluten-free sandwich cookies.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! With these steps and tips, you’re ready to enjoy the creamy, dreamy delight of Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream right from your kitchen.

More Ice Cream Recipes:

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• Lec Ice Cream Recipe
• Churro Ice Cream Recipe