Forget those store-bought tubs! This homemade raspberry ice cream recipe is unbelievably easy, ridiculously delicious, and surprisingly healthy. It's the perfect summer treat, a delightful dessert for any occasion, or simply a well-deserved reward after a long day. Ready to transform simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy ice cream masterpiece? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Puree the Raspberries:
In a blender or food processor, combine the raspberries and blend until completely smooth. If using frozen raspberries, ensure they are completely thawed before blending for a smoother puree.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Mix in Raspberry Puree:
Gently pour the raspberry puree into the cream mixture and whisk until everything is well combined. Don't overmix; a few gentle strokes are sufficient.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Harden the Ice Cream:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully harden.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Raspberry Ice Cream:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of fresh and frozen raspberries.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: Start with ¾ cup of sugar and add more if needed, depending on the sweetness of your raspberries.
- Don't over-churn: Over-churning can result in icy ice cream. Follow your ice cream maker's instructions carefully.
- For a smoother texture: Strain the raspberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds before adding it to the cream mixture.
Variations:
- Raspberry Swirl: Make a simple raspberry sauce by combining ½ cup of raspberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and simmering until thickened. Swirl this into the ice cream before freezing for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Lemon Raspberry: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the cream mixture for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Raspberry: Add ½ cup of melted dark chocolate to the cream mixture for a decadent chocolate raspberry ice cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
This homemade raspberry ice cream is a fantastic example of delicious and relatively healthy food recipes. It's a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for quick dinner ideas or any special occasion. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade cooking and share this delightful recipe with your friends and family! It’s one of the best recipes you'll ever try!