Creamy & Aromatic Cardamom Ice Cream Recipe

Cardamom ice cream is a fragrant and luxurious frozen dessert that combines the exotic warmth of cardamom spice with the rich, smooth texture of classic ice cream. A beloved ingredient in many South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian dishes, cardamom imparts a unique, floral, and slightly citrusy flavor that turns a simple vanilla base into something truly special. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with an elegant dessert or treat yourself on a warm day, this Cardamom Ice Cream Recipe delivers a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

Unlike store-bought options, homemade cardamom ice cream allows you to control sweetness and spice intensity, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor. Its subtly spiced taste pairs beautifully with fruit tarts, warm desserts, or even on its own. Let’s dive into the complete guide on how to make cardamom ice cream from scratch, including detailed preparation, nutritional info, and expert tips.

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Prep Time, Active Time, Resting Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 25 minutes

• Resting/Chilling Time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)

• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

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Cuisines

• Indian

• Middle Eastern

• Fusion

• Global Gourmet

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Course

• Dessert

• Summer Treat

• Frozen Delicacy

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Servings

• Serves: 6

• Serving Size: ~½ cup

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Calories

• Per Serving: Approx. 260–280 kcal (varies by milk/cream used)

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

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Equipment

• Medium saucepan

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Fine mesh strainer

• Ice cream maker (or freezer-safe container if no machine)

• Airtight freezer container

• Measuring cups & spoons

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Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 6–8 green cardamom pods (or 1½ tsp ground cardamom)

• 5 large egg yolks

• 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Optional:

• Crushed pistachios or almonds for garnish

• Honey drizzle for serving

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cardamom Flavor Base

1. Crack the Cardamom Pods:
   Lightly crush the green cardamom pods using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife to release the seeds. You can also use ground cardamom for convenience, but freshly crushed pods offer a more robust flavor.

2. Infuse the Milk and Cream:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream, and crushed cardamom pods. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to steam—do not let it boil. Once hot, remove from heat and cover. Allow it to steep for 15–20 minutes.

3. Strain the Mixture:
   After steeping, strain out the cardamom pods and seeds using a fine mesh strainer. Return the infused milk and cream mixture to the saucepan.

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Step 2: Make the Custard Base

4. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and slightly thickened.

5. Temper the Egg Yolks:
   Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This tempers the yolks and prevents scrambling.

6. Combine and Cook the Custard:
   Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Do not let it boil.

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Step 3: Chill the Mixture

7. Cool and Add Vanilla:
   Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt. Let it cool to room temperature.

8. Chill Thoroughly:
   Transfer the custard base to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The colder the mixture, the creamier your ice cream will be.

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Step 4: Churn and Freeze

9. Churn the Ice Cream:
   Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20–25 minutes. It should have a soft-serve consistency.

10. Freeze to Set:
    Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe airtight container. Smooth the top and cover with plastic wrap or parchment before sealing. Freeze for at least 2–4 hours until firm.

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Step 5: Serve

11. Scoop and Garnish:
    Serve scoops of cardamom ice cream in chilled bowls or cones. Top with crushed pistachios or almonds, or drizzle with honey for an extra luxurious treat.

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Tips for Best Results

• Use Fresh Cardamom: Whole cardamom pods yield the most aromatic and authentic flavor. If using ground, opt for a high-quality brand.

• Don’t Overheat the Custard: Boiling the custard will cause it to curdle. Stir gently over low heat until just thickened.

• Chill Properly: Cold custard is essential for the ice cream maker to work effectively. Chill it thoroughly before churning.

• No Ice Cream Maker? Freeze the custard in a shallow dish. Stir every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours to break up ice crystals and achieve a smooth texture.

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Serving Suggestions

• As a Standalone Dessert: Enjoy it alone for a cool, spicy-sweet treat.

• Paired with Warm Desserts: Serve alongside hot brownies, poached pears, or spiced cakes.

• With Chai or Coffee: A scoop of cardamom ice cream makes a delicious accompaniment to your favorite hot beverages.

• In Ice Cream Sandwiches: Layer between soft cookies or shortbread for a sophisticated twist.

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Variations

• Vegan Version: Use full-fat coconut milk and a plant-based sweetener. Omit egg yolks or use cornstarch for thickening.

• Saffron Twist: Add a pinch of saffron threads to the cream while infusing for an extra luxurious touch.

• Rosewater Accent: Add a teaspoon of rosewater for a floral dimension.

• Cardamom-Chocolate Swirl: Fold in melted dark chocolate at the end of churning.

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Conclusion

This Cardamom Ice Cream Recipe is the perfect way to indulge in something exotic, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re serving it after a lavish dinner or as a refreshing summertime treat, the bold, aromatic flavor of cardamom elevates this dessert to a new level of sophistication. Homemade ice cream may take a little patience, but the reward of creating your own gourmet masterpiece is well worth it.