When summer heat hits or you’re just craving a refreshing and fruity dessert, few treats are as satisfying as a scoop of rich, creamy Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream. This delightful frozen dessert blends the velvety smoothness of vanilla or cream-based ice cream with the tart, vibrant tang of raspberry swirls. Perfect for backyard parties, barbecues, or just a lazy afternoon indulgence, this Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
The best part? You don’t even need an ice cream maker to prepare it. With simple ingredients and minimal equipment, you can enjoy a luscious, homemade dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes. The bold raspberry ribbon throughout offers a sweet and tangy contrast to the creaminess of the base, delivering a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate for 1 cup)
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Calories: 280 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 28 g
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Sugars: 24 g
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Fat: 18 g
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Saturated Fat: 11 g
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Protein: 3 g
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Cholesterol: 60 mg
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Sodium: 40 mg
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Fiber: 1 g
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Calcium: 100 mg
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Iron: 0.2 mg
Prep Time, Cooking & More
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Active Time: 20 minutes
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Resting/Freezing Time: 6–8 hours (or overnight)
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Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
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Cuisine: American
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Course: Dessert
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Servings: 8 cups (about 6–8 servings)
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Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal
Equipment Needed
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Medium saucepan
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Whisk
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Fine mesh strainer (optional)
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer or stand mixer
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Loaf pan or airtight freezer container
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Spatula
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Small saucepan (for raspberry swirl)
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Plastic wrap or airtight lid for covering
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
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2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Raspberry Swirl:
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1½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Raspberry Swirl
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In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the berries break down and release their juices – about 5–8 minutes.
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If you prefer a thicker swirl, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. For a smoother swirl, press the sauce through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds (optional).
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
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In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream.
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Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This typically takes 3–5 minutes.
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In another bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture. Do this in batches and use a spatula to keep the mixture airy.
Step 3: Swirl and Layer
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Pour half of the ice cream mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container.
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Drizzle half of the cooled raspberry sauce over the top. Use a butter knife to swirl it gently into the base—don’t overmix.
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Repeat with the remaining ice cream mixture and raspberry sauce, creating swirls on the top layer for a marbled effect.
Step 4: Freeze
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Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
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Freeze the mixture for at least 6 hours or overnight until solid.
Serving Tips
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Scoop & Serve: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for a creamier texture.
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Pairing: Serve with fresh raspberries, shortbread cookies, or atop a warm brownie for a decadent dessert.
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Presentation: A mint sprig or dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the appearance for guests.
Tips & Variations
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use dairy-free condensed milk.
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Raspberry Mix-In: Add whole raspberries (fresh or freeze-dried) into the base for extra texture and flavor.
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Alternate Flavors: Add lemon zest to the base for a citrusy punch or a teaspoon of almond extract for a twist.
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream Recipe
This homemade ice cream delivers a perfect balance of richness and fruitiness. The cream base is luxuriously smooth and light, while the raspberry swirl adds depth, color, and a subtle tartness that refreshes the palate. It’s easy enough for beginners but elegant enough to impress guests. Plus, the no-churn method means no special equipment or complicated techniques—just pure frozen bliss.
Whether you’re a fan of fruity desserts, love experimenting in the kitchen, or want a new family favorite, this Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream Recipe is bound to be a hit.
Conclusion
Homemade ice cream is a delightful indulgence, and this Raspberry Swirl Ice Cream Recipe is no exception. It captures the essence of summer with its vibrant raspberry flavor and velvety texture. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience, you’ll have a gourmet-quality dessert ready to serve—and savor. Keep it in your freezer for those moments when only something sweet, cool, and beautiful will do.
Enjoy every creamy, fruity spoonful! 🍨🍓

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.