Berry Crumble Ice Cream is a sweet and creamy treat that mixes your favorite berries with a crunchy topping. It’s like dessert in a bowl, perfect for hot days!
Who can resist the combination of smooth ice cream and delicious fruit? I love it topped with extra crumbles for that perfect bite! 🍦🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Berries: Use any combination of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. If fresh aren’t available, frozen berries work too! Just thaw and drain excess water before cooking.
Heavy Cream: This gives the ice cream its rich texture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute part of it with half-and-half, but the creaminess will be less intense.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is perfect for sweetness. If you need a substitute, consider using honey or agave syrup — just adjust the quantity to taste.
Crumble Topping: You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Gluten-free flour is also a great option for those avoiding gluten. Omit oats if you want a simplified version.
How Do I Get the Perfect Berry Compote?
The berry compote is key to the flavor of this ice cream. Here’s how to nail it:
- Combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook while stirring until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). This breaks down the berries, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Let it cool before layering it into the ice cream for better texture!
By focusing on these core ingredients, you’ll create a fantastic dessert that hits all the right notes! Enjoy making this berry-packed ice cream!
How to Make Berry Crumble Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Berry Compote:
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for crumble texture)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of active preparation time, plus an additional 4 hours for freezing the assembled ice cream. So, plan to spend around 4 hours and 20 minutes in total including chilling time. Perfect for a weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Berry Compote:
In a small saucepan, combine the mixed berries, 1/4 cup of sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Keep cooking until the berries start to break down and the mixture thickens slightly, which should take about 10 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and oats (if you’re using them). Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spread this mixture on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s golden brown. Once baked, let it cool and then break it into small pieces.
3. Make the Ice Cream Base:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, 3/4 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves. Add in the heavy cream and mix well. Your ice cream base is now ready!
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
5. Layer the Ice Cream and Berries:
Now it’s time to assemble! In your container, layer some of the churned ice cream, then spoon over a layer of the cooled berry compote, and sprinkle some crumble pieces on top. Repeat the layers: ice cream, compote, and crumble until you reach the top. Finish off with a generous layer of crumble on top.
6. Freeze:
Cover the container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until firm. This will help the flavors meld together.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Berry Crumble Ice Cream is set, scoop it into bowls or cups. For an extra touch, sprinkle more crumble on top before serving. Enjoy your homemade berry crumble ice cream—perfect for sharing or a delightful treat just for you!
This recipe creates a delicious dessert that combines rich and creamy ice cream with a burst of fruity flavors and a crunchy crumble topping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Berries for the Compote?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess water before cooking them down into the compote.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Ice Cream?
If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the sugar in the ice cream base or the berry compote. Start with a small reduction and taste it—remember, the sweetness will balance with the tartness of the berries!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and replace the butter with a plant-based margarine for the crumble. Just keep in mind the texture might differ slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to keep it fresh. It will last for about 1-2 weeks, but it’s best enjoyed within a week for optimal flavor and texture. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.