Gingerbread Ice Cream Recipe: A Taste of the Holidays in Every Scoop
Indulge in the deliciously festive flavors of gingerbread with this delightful Gingerbread Ice Cream, which is guaranteed to become a cherished dessert for your family and friends. This creamy and rich frozen treat captures the essence of freshly baked gingerbread, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. It’s especially rewarding if you have leftover gingerbread from holiday baking, as you can incorporate those flavorful bits into this luscious ice cream.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Milk |
| 1 teaspoon | Ground cinnamon |
| 1 teaspoon | Ground cloves |
| 1 teaspoon | Nutmeg |
| 1/8 teaspoon | Fresh ginger, grated |
| 1 cup | Granulated sugar |
| 5 tablespoons | Molasses |
| 1/2 cup | Bittersweet chocolate, chopped (optional) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2007.1 |
| Total Fat | 122.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 70.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 1295 mg |
| Sodium | 389.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 203 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Sugars | 148.4 g |
| Protein | 33.9 g |
Instructions
-
Combine the Base Ingredients
Begin by placing a medium saucepan over low heat and adding the milk, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, grated fresh ginger, and granulated sugar. Stir these ingredients gently and bring the mixture to a very gentle boil, taking care not to let it boil vigorously as this could alter the texture of your ice cream. -
Steeping for Flavor
Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, immediately remove it from the heat. Allow the mixture to steep for approximately 25 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses the milk with the warm and aromatic flavors of the spices and ginger. -
Strain and Incorporate Molasses
After the steeping period, strain the mixture into a clean container to remove the solid spices and ginger pieces. Stir in the molasses until it is fully incorporated. This addition will give your ice cream its signature gingerbread flavor and deep color. -
Heat and Whisk
Return the milk mixture to the saucepan and place it over low to medium heat. While this warms up, in a separate bowl, beat together the egg yolks and remaining granulated sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. -
Temper the Eggs
Carefully whisk in 1 cup of the warm milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks to temper them, ensuring that the eggs do not curdle. Once this is done, gradually whisk the egg mixture back into the remaining warm milk mixture in the saucepan. -
Thicken the Custard
Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, whisking constantly for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This step transforms the mixture into a rich custard base, essential for a creamy ice cream texture. -
Cool Down
Once thickened, remove the custard from heat and strain it again into a container set in an ice bath. Stir gently to help cool the mixture down quickly. After it has cooled slightly, cover the surface with plastic wrap pressed directly against the custard to prevent a skin from forming. -
Chill in the Refrigerator
Place the covered container in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour, or until it is thoroughly chilled. This step ensures that the mixture is cold enough to freeze well in the ice cream maker. -
Freeze in Ice Cream Maker
Once chilled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your ice cream maker to freeze the mixture. Typically, this process takes about 20 minutes, but this can vary based on your specific machine. -
Add Gingerbread and Chocolate
When the ice cream is nearly done churning, about 5 minutes before it’s finished, add the diced pieces of leftover gingerbread and the chopped bittersweet chocolate, if using. This step infuses additional flavor and texture into your ice cream, enhancing the overall experience with delightful bits of gingerbread and rich chocolate. -
Final Freeze
After the mixture has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer the ice cream into a container and smooth the top. Freeze for an additional 4 hours, or until firm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. -
Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, scoop the Gingerbread Ice Cream into bowls or cones, allowing everyone to savor the taste of gingerbread in a delightful frozen form. This ice cream is fantastic on its own, but can also be paired with warm desserts or drizzled with extra molasses for an added touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
The Gingerbread Ice Cream recipe brings the cozy, warm spices of gingerbread into a cool and creamy delight that is perfect for any time of year, though it shines particularly bright during the holiday season. The combination of spices, molasses, and gingerbread pieces creates a rich flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite desserts, this ice cream is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
For an extra festive flair, consider serving it alongside warm gingerbread cookies or a slice of chocolate cake. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a treat that will make any occasion special, capturing the essence of the holidays in every delicious scoop.
