Blueberry Ice Cream

A creamy homemade blueberry ice cream made with fresh berries simmered into a sweet-tart sauce, blended with rich vanilla cream, and churned until smooth and scoopable for a bright, summery dessert.

This homemade blueberry ice cream combines fresh blueberries simmered into a sweet-tart sauce with lemon and sugar, then folded into a rich vanilla cream base of heavy cream and milk for a smooth, custard-style texture. After chilling and churning, it transforms into a creamy, scoopable dessert bursting with real fruit flavor and a naturally vibrant purple hue, making it a refreshing, summery treat that’s both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Servings

6-8

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes
+ 6-8 hours churn and freeze

Total Time

~8 hours

2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Preparation

  • Rinse and pick over blueberries, removing any stems or soft berries.
  • Measure sugar (divide into two ½-cup portions), lemon juice, cream, milk, vanilla, and salt.
  • Place a storage container in the freezer so it’s cold and ready for the churned ice cream.

Cooking

  • In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, ½ cup sugar, and lemon juice.
  • Cook over medium heat 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and the mixture thickens into a sauce.
  • Remove from heat and cool completely (refrigerate to speed this up).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together remaining ½ cup sugar, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, and salt until sugar dissolves.
  • Fold the cooled blueberry sauce into the cream mixture. Stir fully for a smooth purple base or lightly for a swirled effect.
  • Cover and chill at least 2 hours (or overnight) until very cold.
  • Pour into an ice cream maker and churn 20–25 minutes, or until soft-serve consistency.

Serving

  • Transfer to a chilled airtight container and press plastic wrap directly on the surface.
  • Freeze at least 4 hours until firm.
  • Scoop and serve in bowls or cones.