No Churn Bakewell Tart Ice Cream Recipe

Introduction

Indulging in a frozen treat that encapsulates the timeless elegance of a classic British Bakewell Tart might seem like a culinary challenge, but with this comprehensive guide, you can craft an exquisite No Churn Bakewell Tart Ice Cream that is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Originating from the picturesque town of Bakewell in Derbyshire, England, the traditional Bakewell Tart has captivated dessert lovers for centuries with its rich layers of buttery pastry, tangy raspberry jam, fragrant almond frangipane, and a glossy icing topping. This adaptation brings those beloved flavors into a creamy, frozen format, offering a delightful combination of almond, cherry, and biscuit notes in every scoop.

This recipe, featured on Love With Recipes, is designed to be accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. It leverages the no-churn method, eliminating the need for an ice cream maker while ensuring a smooth, luscious texture. Perfect for warm days, special occasions, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this ice cream captures the essence of Bakewell Tart in a refreshing, frozen form that will impress family and friends alike.

Time

The entire process, from gathering ingredients to serving, spans approximately 20 minutes of active preparation time, with the majority of the time dedicated to freezing. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Freezing Time: 4-6 hours (or overnight for best results)
• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes to overnight

Patience during the freezing stage ensures optimal texture and flavor development. Plan accordingly to serve this delectable ice cream at its peak freshness.

Needed Equipment

To successfully create this No Churn Bakewell Tart Ice Cream, you’ll need the following equipment, which facilitates both preparation and storage:

• Mixing Bowls: Several, preferably glass or stainless steel for durability and ease of cleaning
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks
• Spatula: Silicone or rubber, for gentle folding and mixing
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients
• Large Spoon or Ladle: For swirling jam and transferring mixture
• Lidded Freezer-Safe Container: To store the ice cream during freezing—preferably with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap for airtight coverage
• Parchment Paper or Baking Sheet (optional): For layering or pre-freezing components if desired
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping biscuits and slicing almonds
• Food Processor or Rolling Pin (optional): To crush biscuits into fine crumbs
• Measuring Scale (optional): For precise ingredient measurements, especially if you prefer weighing ingredients

High-quality equipment enhances the ease and quality of your dessert, but the recipe remains accessible even with minimal tools.

Tags

This recipe is versatile and can be tagged under the following categories for easy identification and searchability:

• Ice Cream
• No Churn
• Dessert
• British Cuisine
• Frozen Treats
• Almond Flavored
• Cherry Dessert
• Party Food
• Summer Dessert

Serving Size

Each batch yields approximately 1 quart (4 cups) of ice cream, which comfortably serves 8-10 individuals with generous scoops. For smaller portions or tasting samples, you can divide the total into more servings, adjusting portion sizes accordingly.

Standard serving size is about 1/2 cup per person, which provides a satisfying yet manageable indulgence, especially considering the richness of the ingredients.

Difficulty Level

Rating this recipe’s difficulty level as beginner-friendly, it requires minimal culinary skills beyond whipping cream and folding ingredients. The absence of cooking or churning equipment simplifies the process, making it accessible to novice cooks while still allowing for customization and presentation finesse by more experienced chefs.

Key skills involved include accurately whipping cream, gently folding ingredients to maintain texture, and proper freezing techniques to achieve optimal creaminess.

Allergen Information

Individuals with nut allergies should avoid this recipe unless using nut-free substitutes, and always verify ingredient labels for gluten and other allergens.

Dietary Preference

This dessert is suitable for omnivorous diets but not for those adhering to specific dietary restrictions such as vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free unless modifications are made. For a vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk, and ensure biscuits are gluten-free.

Course

This recipe functions as a dessert, ideal for concluding a meal with a sweet, indulgent note. Its rich flavor profile also makes it suitable for tea parties, summer barbecues, or special celebrations.

Cuisine

British-inspired cuisine, with influences from traditional pastry and dessert pairings, adapted into a modern, frozen format.

Ingredients

Ingredient Table

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Whipped Cream

Begin by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This ensures optimal whipping results. Once chilled, pour the heavy cream into the bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, start beating the cream on medium-high speed. Continue until the cream reaches stiff peaks—this is when the cream holds its shape firmly when the beaters are lifted. Be careful not to overbeat, as the cream can turn into butter if whipped excessively.

Step 2: Incorporate the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Almond Extract

Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream using a silicone spatula. Use a light hand to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream. Add the almond extract during this step, blending it evenly into the mixture. The almond extract is key to achieving the signature flavor reminiscent of Bakewell Tart, so measure carefully—about 1 teaspoon is ideal. The folding process should be gentle but thorough, combining the ingredients without deflating the whipped cream.

Step 3: Swirl in Cherry Jam

Take the cherry jam or preserves and add it to the mixture in small spoonfuls. Use a spatula or large spoon to create swirling patterns—do not fully incorporate the jam, as the marbled effect enhances visual appeal and flavor complexity. This step introduces a fruity tang that balances the almond richness and adds depth to the dessert.

Step 4: Add Biscuit Crumbs and Sliced Almonds

Crush the digestive biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs into the batter, folding gently to evenly distribute. Sliced almonds are then folded in to provide texture and an extra layer of almond flavor. Keep some aside for garnishing if desired.

Step 5: Transfer to the Freezer Container and Freeze

Pour the mixture into a lidded, freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula, ensuring an even surface for easy scooping later. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once frozen, remove the container from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping. Use an ice cream scoop to serve generous portions into bowls or cones. Garnish with additional sliced almonds or a drizzle of cherry jam if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Preparation Tips

• Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to achieve the best whipped cream texture.
• Use high-quality heavy cream with at least 36% fat for maximum richness and stability.
• Adjust the amount of cherry jam for a more or less intense fruit flavor—less jam for subtlety, more for punch.
• If you prefer a smoother, less chunky ice cream, crush the biscuits into finer crumbs.
• For a more pronounced almond flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond liqueur or additional almond extract.
• Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor integrity.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements used.

Tips and Tricks

• Layering Flavors: For a more intense cherry or almond flavor, mix in a splash of cherry liqueur or almond liqueur into the mixture before freezing.
• Texture Variations: To add more crunch, sprinkle extra sliced almonds or crushed biscuits on top just before serving.
• Storage: Keep the ice cream tightly covered to prevent it from absorbing other freezer odors.
• Serving Ideas: Serve with fresh cherries, toasted almonds, or a drizzle of chocolate for added decadence.
• Customization: You can swap the cherry jam for raspberry or apricot preserves for different fruity notes.

Add-ons

Enhance your Bakewell Tart Ice Cream with complementary toppings and mix-ins:

• Chocolate chips or shavings for a decadent twist
• Fresh berries for added freshness
• Whipped cream or caramel sauce for extra indulgence
• Crumbled shortbread or biscuit pieces for more crunch
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:

• Fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus segments
• Warm almond or cherry clafoutis
• Buttery shortbread cookies or scones
• Light sponge cake or vanilla pound cake slices
• Tea or coffee for a refined dessert experience

Improvements

While this recipe offers a delightful flavor profile, consider these enhancements for an even more refined dessert:

• Incorporate a splash of almond liqueur (e.g., Amaretto) into the mixture for a richer almond taste.
• Add a layer of raspberry or cherry compote at the bottom of the container before pouring in the ice cream mixture for a layered effect.
• Use toasted sliced almonds for a more pronounced nutty aroma and crunch.
• Experiment with different types of biscuits, such as shortbread or tea biscuits, for varied textures.
• Infuse the whipped cream with a hint of vanilla bean for an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Save and Store

This ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness. To preserve texture and flavor:

• Keep it in an airtight container, pressing a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
• Label the container with the date of preparation.
• Avoid frequent opening of the freezer to minimize temperature fluctuations that can cause ice crystal formation.

For best results, allow the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving, ensuring a creamy, scoopable consistency.

FAQ

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegan condensed milk or sweetened coconut milk. Replace biscuits with gluten-free or vegan options. Almond extract and sliced almonds can be omitted or replaced with other flavorings to suit dietary needs.

Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely. Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped dried fruits like apricots can be incorporated into the mixture or layered for added flavor and texture. Adjust sweetness accordingly.

Is an ice cream maker necessary?

No. This is a no-churn recipe that relies on whipping cream and freezing, making it accessible for all home cooks without special equipment.

How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?

Ensure the mixture is well covered and airtight. Freeze promptly after assembly, and avoid frequent opening of the freezer. Stirring the mixture during freezing is not necessary with this method but can be done after a few hours if desired for a smoother texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and freeze at least 4 hours before serving. It tastes best when fully frozen but can be stored for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion

This No Churn Bakewell Tart Ice Cream offers a sophisticated blend of flavors inspired by the beloved British pastry, reimagined in a chilled, creamy format that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum satisfaction. Its versatility allows for numerous customizations—whether adding extra fruit, nuts, or flavor infusions—making it a perfect choice for both casual family desserts and elegant dinner parties. The no-churn method democratizes ice cream making, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve a professional-quality treat. As always, enjoying desserts like this responsibly and in moderation complements a balanced lifestyle. For more inspiring recipes and culinary adventures, visit Love With Recipes, your trusted platform for delightful, approachable cooking ideas.

References

• Historic Bakewell Tart origins: The Guardian Food History Archive
• Ice cream making techniques: The Science of Good Cooking by Cook’s Illustrated