if you have a Cuisinart ice cream maker, you already get to enjoy the delight of creating frozen treats from scratch. But are you getting the most out of your machine? With the aid of the right recipes, your Cuisinart is more than an end-of-summer treat machine—it becomes a dessert hub, year-round. In this guide, we’ll dive into ten of the best Cuisinart ice cream maker recipes, from the classic vanilla to unique combinations like matcha green tea and strawberry cheesecake. Let’s churn some magic!
Why Choose a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker?
Trusted Brand with Consistent Results
Cuisinart is a household brand of kitchen appliances, and their ice cream makers are not left behind. Whether it is the Cuisinart ICE-21, the ICE-70, or more recently the ICE-100, you can be guaranteed creamy textures and delicious outcomes every time.
Customization and Control
With a Cuisinart ice cream maker, you’re in control of the ingredients—fewer preservatives and more for you to experiment with. From dairy-free treats to decadent chocolate swirls, your dessert is yours.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Recipes to Try
All these recipes make about 1.5 quarts and serve 6–8.
1. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.
Pour into your pre-chilled Cuisinart bowl.
Churn for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
Tip:
Add crushed cookies or fresh fruit in the last 5 minutes for a twist.
2. Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
¾ cup sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a blender. Chill the mixture, then churn according to your machine’s instructions.
Flavor Upgrade: Mix in chocolate chips or fudge sauce for indulgence.
3. Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Ingredients:
1 cup strawberries (mashed)
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
½ cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients except graham crackers. Churn and add crackers in last 5 minutes.
4. Mint Chocolate Chip
Ingredients:
2 cups half-and-half
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
Green food coloring (optional)
½ cup mini chocolate chips
Churn and freeze. So refreshing and good for summer!
5. Dairy-Free Coconut Ice Cream
Ingredients:
2 cans full-fat coconut milk
¾ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
This vegan-friendly option is creamy and rich without the dairy.
6. Coffee Ice Cream
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup sugar
2 tbsp instant espresso powder
Mix, chill, and churn. You’ll get a morning buzz in dessert form.
7. Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
1½ cups milk
½ cup sugar
A healthy-ish treat full of flavor and texture.
8. Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
Ingredients:
2 cups half-and-half
¾ cup sugar
1 tbsp matcha powder
1 tsp vanilla
Earthy and sweet—matcha enthusiasts, this one’s for you.
9. Cookies and Cream
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
¾ cup sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
10 crushed Oreo cookies
Classic, creamy, and kid-friendly.
10. Salted Caramel Swirl
Ingredients:
2 cups cream
1 cup milk
¾ cup sugar
½ cup caramel sauce
Pinch of sea salt
Churn the base and swirl in caramel at the end for tiered flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Results
Pre-Chill Everything
Always pre-freeze your Cuisinart bowl for a minimum of 12–24 hours before actually using it. Pre-chilling the mixture in advance ensures it churns more quickly.
Add Mix-Ins at the Right Time
No matter whether nuts, chocolate bits, or pieces of fruit, be sure to add them in the last 5 minutes of churning to avoid overprocessing.
Store Properly
Place your completed ice cream in an airtight container and store in the back of your freezer. Use plastic wrap or wax paper to keep out ice crystals.
Creative Twists and Custom Ideas
If you’ve mastered the basics, try combining ideas! Why not turn the strawberry base into a sorbet by removing the cream or add bourbon to your vanilla for an adult dessert?
Also, think about serving your ice creams with baked items such as brownies, cookies, or waffles. For additional dessert inspiration, look at King Arthur Baking’s recipe library or study flavor science from Serious Eats.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many minutes does it take to churn ice cream in a Cuisinart ice cream maker?
20–30 minutes is the typical time for most recipes. Always refer to your own model’s instructions.
- Can I make frozen yogurt or sorbet with my Cuisinart ice cream maker?
Yes, in fact! Adjust the base ingredients and churning procedure the same.
- If I don’t have heavy cream available?
Half-and-half or coconut milk can be used as a substitute, but the texture is slightly different.
