Creamy Homemade Macadamia Nut Ice Cream Recipe – Easy
Macadamia nut ice cream is a rich, creamy dessert that perfectly balances the nutty flavor of macadamia nuts with the smoothness of homemade ice cream. This indulgent treat is a favorite among nut lovers and is especially popular in tropical and Hawaiian-inspired cuisines. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this macadamia nut ice cream recipe will deliver an irresistible, velvety texture and a delightful crunch.
Nutrition & Instructions
Serving Size: 1 scoop (about ½ cup)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 250 kcal
Total Servings: 6-8
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 4-6 hours (chilling and freezing)
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Dessert
- Course: Dessert
- Servings: 6-8
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Ice cream maker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Freezer-safe container with lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup macadamia nuts (roasted and roughly chopped)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional for added sweetness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Macadamia Nuts
- If your macadamia nuts are raw, roast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let them cool, then chop them into small pieces.
Step 2: Make the Custard Base
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Stir until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly add about ½ cup of the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
- Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Do not boil.
Step 3: Strain and Chill
- Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely chilled.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20-25 minutes).
- When the ice cream starts to firm up, add the chopped macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips (if using) during the last 5 minutes of churning.
Step 5: Freeze and Serve
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and smooth the top.
- Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Scoop and enjoy your creamy homemade macadamia nut ice cream!
Tips for Best Results
- Use Fresh Macadamia Nuts: Freshly roasted macadamia nuts provide the best flavor and crunch.
- Chill the Custard Well: Allowing the mixture to chill properly ensures a smoother ice cream texture.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding coconut flakes or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
- Store Properly: Keep ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy consistency.
Enjoy this delightful Macadamia Nut Ice Cream Recipe, a perfect homemade treat that brings a taste of the tropics right to your kitchen!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.