Goat Cheese Ice Cream: A Creamy Dream Dessert
This silky smooth goat cheese ice cream is a game-changer for dessert lovers. The tangy goat cheese blends perfectly with sweet honey, creating a flavor that’s both rich and refreshing. It’s like cheesecake transformed into frozen perfection.
Perfect for warm days or special occasions, this goat cheese gelato offers a unique twist on traditional ice cream. The recipe takes just 30 minutes of active prep time, though you’ll need to plan ahead for chilling and freezing.
What’s in this guide:
Creamy 5-Ingredient Goat Cheese Honey Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened (about 2/3 cup crumbled / 85 grams)
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream (10 ounces / 300 ml)
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk (10 ounces / 300 mL)
- ½ cup honey (6 ounces / 170 grams)
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Add softened goat cheese to a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in cream until smooth—avoid over-whisking to prevent a whipped texture. Cover the bowl with a strainer and set aside.
- Heat the milk, honey, and salt in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir often until hot and steamy. Avoid boiling or simmering to prevent curdling from the honey's acids.
- Put the egg yolks in a separate medium bowl placed on a damp kitchen towel. Gradually add the hot milk to the yolks while whisking continuously.
- Pour the milk mixture back into the pot and heat on low, stirring continuously with a heatproof silicone spatula, until slightly thickened or it reaches 170ºF on an instant-read thermometer.
- Strain the milk and egg yolk mixture directly into the goat cheese and cream mixture.
- Set the bowl of warm custard over an ice bath and stir until chilled. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight or up to 2 days. This lets the milk proteins relax, resulting in smoother ice cream.
- Pour the chilled ice cream base into the ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer's directions.
- Transfer the churned ice cream into a jar or pan, press plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface, and freeze for at least 3 hours until firm.
- Store the ice cream for up to 2 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Why Goat Cheese Makes Amazing Ice Cream
Goat cheese brings a delightful tanginess that balances beautifully with sweet ingredients. When frozen, it creates an incredibly creamy texture that’s hard to achieve with regular cream cheese.
Compared to cow’s milk cheese, goat cheese has smaller fat molecules. This means your chevre ice cream will stay smoother and resist crystallization better during freezing.
For more unique dessert ideas, check out our guide to unconventional ice cream flavors that will surprise your taste buds.
The 5 Ingredients You Need
This goat cheese ice cream recipe keeps things simple with just five quality ingredients:
- Fresh goat cheese – Look for a mild, creamy variety. About 3 ounces (85g) creates the perfect balance.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps keep the texture soft. Use ½ cup (170g) of your favorite variety.
- Heavy cream – 1¼ cups (300ml) for that rich, luxurious mouthfeel.
- Whole milk – Another 1¼ cups (300ml) to lighten the base slightly.
- Egg yolks – 4 large yolks act as natural emulsifiers for extra creaminess.
The combination of these simple ingredients creates magic. The goat cheese provides complexity, while honey adds floral notes that complement the cheese’s tang.
Making Goat Cheese Ice Cream: Step by Step
Preparing the Base
Start by whisking softened goat cheese with cream until smooth. This ensures no lumps in your final product. Place a strainer over the bowl – you’ll use this later.
In a saucepan, warm the milk with honey and salt. Keep the heat medium-low to prevent curdling. Stir frequently until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
Creating the Custard
Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly pour in the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly. This “tempering” prevents scrambled eggs in your ice cream.
Return everything to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Discover more about custard-based ice creams and why they create the creamiest textures.
Combining and Chilling
Pour the hot custard through the strainer into the goat cheese mixture. This catches any accidental bits of cooked egg.
Cool the mixture quickly by placing the bowl in an ice bath. Stir occasionally until it reaches room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Churning and Freezing
Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency.
Transfer to an airtight container. Press parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.
Creative Ways to Serve Goat Cheese Ice Cream
This versatile dessert pairs beautifully with many accompaniments:
- With fresh fruit – Try berries, figs, or poached pears
- Drizzled with honey – Enhances the natural flavors
- On warm desserts – Melts deliciously over crisps or brownies
- With crunchy elements – Toasted nuts or graham crackers add texture
For more pairing inspiration, visit our Pinterest board full of creative dessert ideas.
Pro Tips for Perfect Goat Cheese Ice Cream
Follow these expert suggestions for the best results:
- Use fresh, mild goat cheese for the most balanced flavor
- Light-colored honey works best to let the cheese flavor shine
- Don’t skip the chilling step – it improves texture dramatically
- If you prefer less tang, reduce the goat cheese to 1.5 ounces
- For extra creaminess, replace ¼ cup milk with additional cream
The beauty of this goat cheese gelato recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different honey varieties or add-ins like vanilla or citrus zest.
Goat Cheese Ice Cream: A Unique Dessert Experience
If you’re looking for a dessert that stands out from the crowd, goat cheese ice cream is the perfect choice. This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet treat offers a sophisticated twist on traditional ice cream flavors. Whether you’re a fan of chevre or just curious about unconventional desserts, goat cheese ice cream is worth trying.
Why Goat Cheese Ice Cream?
Goat cheese, or chevre, brings a distinct flavor profile to ice cream. Its natural tanginess balances the sweetness of the base, creating a complex and refreshing dessert. Unlike cow’s milk cheese, goat cheese has a lighter, slightly earthy taste that pairs beautifully with honey, berries, or even savory toppings like balsamic glaze.
Goat Cheese Ice Cream Recipe: How to Make It at Home
Making goat cheese ice cream at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese (chevre), softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat the cream and milk over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in the softened goat cheese, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 hours before serving.
Flavor Variations for Chevre Ice Cream
One of the best things about goat cheese ice cream is its versatility. Here are some delicious ways to customize your batch:
- Honey & Fig: Swirl in honey and chopped dried figs before freezing.
- Lemon & Thyme: Add lemon zest and fresh thyme for a bright, herbal twist.
- Berry Compote: Layer with a homemade raspberry or blackberry compote.
- Chocolate Swirl: Fold in melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
Serving Suggestions
Goat cheese ice cream is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Try serving it with:
- Fresh berries or stone fruits
- Crumbled shortbread or almond biscotti
- A drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar
- Candied nuts for added crunch
The Science Behind Creamy Chevre Ice Cream
Goat cheese’s high fat content contributes to a luxuriously smooth texture in ice cream. Unlike cow’s milk, goat milk has smaller fat globules, which helps create a finer, less icy consistency. The tanginess of chevre also balances the sweetness, preventing the dessert from becoming cloying.
Where to Find Goat Cheese Ice Cream
If you’re not up for making it yourself, many artisanal ice cream shops and gourmet grocery stores now carry goat cheese ice cream. Look for brands that use high-quality chevre for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of goat cheese?
Fresh, soft goat cheese (chevre) works best for ice cream. Avoid aged or strongly flavored varieties, as they can overpower the dessert.
Is goat cheese ice cream healthier than regular ice cream?
While it still contains sugar and fat, goat cheese is easier to digest for some people due to its different protein structure. It also offers probiotics and slightly lower lactose levels.
How long does homemade goat cheese ice cream last?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for about 2 weeks in the freezer. For best texture, let it soften slightly before serving.
Final Thoughts
Goat cheese ice cream is a delightful departure from ordinary flavors. Its creamy texture and balanced taste make it a sophisticated choice for dinner parties or a special treat. Whether you follow our goat cheese ice cream recipe or experiment with your own variations, this unique dessert is sure to impress.
