Intense Chocolate Ice Cream with Sour Balsamic-Cherry Sauce Recipe
Description
This indulgent dessert features rich, creamy chocolate ice cream with a tangy sour cherry balsamic sauce that is delightfully sweet and slightly sour. The combination creates a taste sensation perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat. While this recipe takes some time to prepare, the result is an ice cream you simply can’t find at your local shop!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Ice Cream
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ cups |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Cocoa powder | ⅔ cup |
| Egg yolks | 3 large |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 2 ounces |
For the Sour Balsamic-Cherry Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey | 3 tablespoons |
| Water | ½ cup |
| Sour pitted cherries | 1½ cups |
| Almond extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Balsamic vinegar | 3 teaspoons |
| Cornstarch | 2 teaspoons |
| Cold water | 1½ tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 700.8 |
| Fat | 35.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 21.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 194.1 mg |
| Sodium | 108.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 98.8 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugars | 78.6 g |
| Protein | 7.3 g |
Instructions
Preparing the Chocolate Ice Cream
-
Melt the Chocolate:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips, stirring constantly to ensure even melting. -
-
Mix the Base:
Add the heavy cream, buttermilk, honey, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder to the melted chocolate. Stir well to combine. Note that the cocoa may not fully incorporate until the mixture warms further. -
Heat the Mixture:
Gradually increase the heat to medium and stir frequently. Bring the mixture to a point just below boiling. This process may take 6 to 10 minutes. It’s okay if there are small flecks of cocoa visible; they’ll blend in later. -
Prepare the Eggs:
While the cream mixture heats, beat the egg yolks and sugar with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and thick. -
Temper the Eggs:
Slowly add ¼ cup of the hot cream mixture to the beaten egg mixture, whisking constantly. Once combined, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the cream mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. -
Thicken the Custard:
Cook the custard over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This process should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The custard will remain somewhat liquid in consistency. -
Chill the Custard:
Remove the custard from the heat and chill it thoroughly. You can refrigerate it overnight or speed up the process by placing it over an ice bath for about 30 minutes. Ensure it’s completely cool before proceeding. -
Freeze the Ice Cream:
Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on your machine, this may take 35-38 minutes for the mixture to begin forming ice crystals. -
Firm Up the Ice Cream:
Transfer the soft ice cream to a container and place it in the freezer. Stir every hour for the first 2 hours to ensure even freezing. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Preparing the Sour Balsamic-Cherry Sauce
-
Dissolve the Honey:
Combine the honey and ½ cup water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring, until the honey is fully dissolved. -
Add the Cherries:
Stir in the sour pitted cherries and simmer the mixture for about 3 minutes over medium heat. -
Add the Flavorings:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the almond extract and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 1 minute to allow the flavors to blend. -
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the cherry sauce and continue simmering for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened. For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry as needed. -
Cool or Warm:
Serve the sauce warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop the intense chocolate ice cream into bowls or cones and generously drizzle the sour balsamic-cherry sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cherries or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.
Enjoy the bold contrast of flavors in this decadent dessert that perfectly balances sweetness, richness, and a touch of tangy sophistication. Whether it’s for a dinner party or a special night in, this recipe will impress anyone lucky enough to taste it!
