Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
There’s something undeniably special about summer desserts, and Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream takes the cake! I remember the first time I tried this flavor combination at a quaint little ice cream shop during a family trip. The moment I took that first spoonful, I was transported to a sun-drenched picnic, surrounded by laughter and the sweet smell of ripe strawberries. The roasted strawberries, with their caramelized edges, combined with the creamy goodness of ice cream, was an unexpected delight. This recipe brings back all those nostalgic feelings and is perfect for any summer gathering.
Recipe Snapshot
50 mins
10 mins
40 mins
Medium
230 kcal
3 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
12 g
Blender, Food Processor, Wooden Spoon, Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
Why This Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream Is So Good
Unique Flavor Fusion
When you combine balsamic vinegar with strawberries, magic happens. The acidity of the vinegar enhances the sweetness of the fruit, creating a flavor profile that is both rich and refreshing. You won’t believe how these two ingredients elevate each other!
Homemade Goodness
Making ice cream at home is an experience like no other. The satisfaction of crafting something from scratch allows you to control the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Plus, there’s a certain joy in watching it churn into a creamy delight in your very own kitchen.
Healthy Indulgence
This recipe features full-fat coconut milk and almond milk, making it a more wholesome choice compared to traditional ice creams. You can indulge without the guilt, knowing you’re enjoying a treat that’s both delicious and better for you.
Perfect for Gatherings
Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a backyard birthday party, or just a casual weeknight dinner, Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream is bound to impress your guests. It’s a conversation starter and a delightful way to cool off during those hot summer days.
Customizable Options
This recipe is versatile! You can experiment with different fruits or even try adding a splash of almond milk to enhance the flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider blending in some dark chocolate chunks or nuts for an extra layer of texture.
Allergen-Friendly
Not only is this recipe dairy-free, but it can also be made sugar-free by substituting honey with a natural sweetener like agave syrup or stevia. It’s a treat that everyone can enjoy, making it a fabulous option for gatherings.
What to Buy for Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
When it comes to making Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Each component plays a role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The key players here are ripe strawberries and quality balsamic reduction, which together create a delightful melody of tastes.
- 2 cups strawberries, halved: Fresh, ripe strawberries are essential for that natural sweetness and juicy texture.
- 1 Tbsp white balsamic reduction: This adds depth and a hint of acidity that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 4 Tbsp honey, divided: A natural sweetener that enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 1/2 cans full-fat coconut milk, about 2 cups: Provides a creamy base that gives the ice cream its rich texture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk: Lightens the mixture while adding a subtle nuttiness.
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Recipe Directions for Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the joy of making Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream. This process is straightforward and rewarding, yielding a delicious treat that everyone will love. Just follow these simple steps!
Place the bowl of your ice cream maker in the freezer for at least 24 hours before you start. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect icy texture.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This is the ideal temperature for roasting your strawberries.
In a large bowl, toss together the halved strawberries, balsamic reduction, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Ensure the strawberries are well coated for even roasting.
Transfer the strawberries to a baking dish and roast them in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen!
After 10 minutes, stir the berries and return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. They should become soft and slightly caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Once roasted, transfer the strawberries to a bowl and mash them using a potato masher. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use a blender or food processor.
Allow the mashed strawberries to cool while you prepare the ice cream base. In a blender, combine the coconut milk, almond milk, 3 tablespoons of honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Mix in the cooled roasted strawberries along with their juices to the blender. Give it a quick pulse to combine; you want to preserve some chunks of strawberries for texture!
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20 minutes.
Once churned, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving. If the ice cream is too firm upon serving, let it sit out for about 30 minutes to soften up.
Things Worth Knowing
- Use ripe strawberries: The sweetness of your ice cream largely depends on the quality of your strawberries. Make sure they’re fresh and fragrant.
- Monitor roasting time: Keep an eye on the strawberries while they roast to ensure they don’t burn. You want them soft and caramelized but not charred.
- Blend to your preferred consistency: Decide if you want big chunks of strawberries or a smoother texture before adding them to the ice cream base.
- Freezing tips: Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn, and ensure it’s well-packed to maintain texture.
Pro Tips and Tweaks
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream turns out perfectly every time. These adjustments can enhance your ice cream-making experience.
- Storage: Make sure to keep any leftover ice cream in a well-sealed container. This helps maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy this ice cream later, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Pairing: This ice cream pairs wonderfully with shortcakes or even drizzled over pancakes for a decadent breakfast.
- Variations: Try experimenting with different berries like blueberries or raspberries to create your own unique flavors.
- Churn time: Keep an eye on the ice cream as it churns; it should have a soft-serve consistency before you freeze it.
Accompaniments for Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
Serving the Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream can be just as delightful as making it. Here are some ideas for accompaniments that will elevate your dessert experience.
- Shortcakes: This ice cream goes perfectly with homemade shortcakes, adding a delicious contrast of textures.
- Fresh mint: A sprig of fresh mint on top of your dish not only adds color but also a refreshing flavor.
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the ice cream enhances the sweetness and adds richness.
- Fruit toppings: Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or extra strawberries complement the flavors beautifully.
- Occasions: This dessert is ideal for summer picnics, BBQs, or casual family dinners. Its vibrant flavor is sure to impress guests.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream is not just a dessert; it’s a sweet reminder of summer’s best moments. The unique combination of flavors creates a treat that is both refreshing and indulgent. I encourage you to try making this delightful ice cream at home. Your taste buds will thank you!
Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the bowl of your ice cream maker in the freezer for at least 24 hours before you start.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, toss together the halved strawberries, balsamic reduction, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Ensure the strawberries are well coated for even roasting.
- Transfer the strawberries to a baking dish and roast them in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, stir the berries and return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once roasted, transfer the strawberries to a bowl and mash them using a potato masher.
- Allow the mashed strawberries to cool while you prepare the ice cream base.
- In a blender, combine the coconut milk, almond milk, 3 tablespoons of honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the cooled roasted strawberries along with their juices to the blender.
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20 minutes.
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
- If the ice cream is too firm upon serving, let it sit out for about 30 minutes to soften up.
Notes
- Tip 1: Make sure to keep any leftover ice cream in a well-sealed container to maintain its creamy texture.
- Tip 2: Store ice cream in a freezer-safe container and ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent ice crystals.
- Tip 3: This ice cream pairs wonderfully with homemade shortcakes, adding a delicious contrast of textures.
- Tip 4: Try experimenting with different berries to create your own unique flavors.
- Tip 5: Keep an eye on the ice cream as it churns; it should have a soft-serve consistency before you freeze it.
