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American·Dessert

No-Churn Carrot Cake Ice Cream

A rich, creamy, and surprisingly easy dessert that captures the exact flavor profile of a classic carrot cake—complete with the tangy cream cheese frosting—without the need for an ice cream machine.

Prep

20m

Cook

10m

Total

450m

Serves

—

Method

  1. 01

    Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the freshly grated carrots, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until the carrots are tender and most of the moisture has evaporated.

    Step 1
    Watch · 0:46
  2. 02

    Stir in ground cinnamon and ginger. Cook for one additional minute to toast the spices, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely to room temperature.

    Step 2
    Watch · 1:31
  3. 03

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth and free of large lumps.

    Step 3
    Watch · 2:05
  4. 04

    Stir the cooled carrot mixture into the cream cheese base until well combined. Place this mixture in the refrigerator to ensure it is cold before the next step.

    Step 4
    Watch · 3:08
  5. 05

    In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until it reaches medium-stiff peaks (the peak should mostly hold its shape when the whisk is lifted).

    Step 5
    Watch · 3:42
  6. 06

    Add the chilled carrot-cream cheese mixture to the whipped cream and whisk until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts and pecans with a spatula.

    Step 6
    Watch · 4:11
  7. 07

    Transfer the mixture into a pre-frozen container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals, cover with a lid, and freeze for at least 4 to 5 hours, or preferably overnight, until solid.

    Step 7
    Watch · 4:54

From Chef John

  • “You are after all the Bugs Bunny of making sure your carrot cake ice cream is money.”
  • “Yes of course this counts as a serving of vegetables, Bob.”
  • “You can have your cake and eat it too, but you can have your cake and ice cream too.”