Homemade Kefir Ice Cream with Blueberry and Basil Swirl

5 from 2 votes

This Kefir Ice cream with a blueberry and basil swirl sounds complicated, but it couldn’t be any simpler! With only four ingredients, it’s not only easy, but incredibly original and delicious.

Prep Time30

Total Time50

Servings: 4 Cups

Author: Maria Corcuera

Equipment

1 ice cream machine

Ingredients

Blueberry & basil swirl

1 Cup blueberries fresh or frozen
3 Tablespoons chopped basil leaves
2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Kefir Ice cream

3 Cups Plain Organic Grassfed Lifeway Kefir chilled
3/4 Cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Make sure the ice cream bowl of your ice cream maker is completely frozen (at least 6 hours in the freezer)
Over a medium-sized sauce pan in medium heat, combine your blueberries, basil and sugar. Blueberries will start popping and releasing their juices, let them simmer until all blueberries are soft and sugar is dissolved, around 2-5 minutes
1 Cup (148 g) blueberries, 3 Tablespoons chopped basil leaves, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Blend your blueberry mix and refrigerate. It needs to be completely cooled before swirling your ice cream with it
Mix kefir and granulated sugar, until all sugar granules are dissolved. Churn with your ice cream maker for 20 minutes or according to manufacturer’s directions, until the mixture has the consistency of soft serve
3 Cups (720 g) Plain Organic Grassfed Lifeway Kefir, 3/4 Cup (150 g) granulated sugar
Place half of your Kefir ice cream in a freezable container, add 5-6 dollops the size of a tablespoon on top and swirl with a butter knife; carefully, to avoid mixing, place your remaining ice cream and add 6 dollops of blueberry-basil sauce on top, swirling with your butter knife
Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours. Before serving, leave at room temperature for 5 minutes

Notes

Add-ons & Substitutions

There’s plenty of room to make this kefir ice cream recipe your own! Here are a few ways to switch it up:

Swap in other fruits: Try a cherry kefir ice cream version with dark cherries and a little lemon zest, or go for strawberry kefir ice cream with a pinch of cardamom. Peach kefir is also a great way to lean into summer flavors.
Herb alternatives: Don’t have basil? Fresh mint, lemon balm, or even thyme can add a nice twist.
Add a little indulgence: Fold in dark chocolate chips or swirl in a homemade berry compote. These add-ins not only boost flavor but also bring a fun texture contrast.

Expert Tips

Letting your kefir come to just below room temperature before mixing helps the sugar dissolve faster and churn more evenly.
Using raw milk kefir or kefir made with whole milk will give your ice cream a richer, more indulgent texture without needing heavy cream or egg yolks.
If you notice ice crystals forming after freezing, a little trick is to cover the surface of the ice cream with parchment paper before sealing it—this reduces air exposure and keeps the texture smooth.
Keep your ice cream scoop warm (dip it in hot water and wipe dry) for easy scooping, especially straight from the freezer.
Blending the blueberry swirl smooth makes it easier to swirl through the soft serve without sinking to the bottom.

Nutrition