Homemade Blackcurrant Ice Cream Recipe – Creamy & Refreshing

Blackcurrant ice cream is a delightful and refreshing treat, perfect for warm summer days or as a luscious dessert year-round. The deep purple hue of blackcurrants not only makes this ice cream visually appealing but also provides a tangy yet sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the ice cream base. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, blackcurrants add a nutritious twist to this indulgent dessert.

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Making blackcurrant ice cream at home is simpler than you might think! With a few basic ingredients and an ice cream maker, you can enjoy a smooth, rich, and intensely flavored frozen dessert. Whether you enjoy it in a cone, as a sundae, or paired with other treats, this homemade blackcurrant ice cream will become a family favorite.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 30g

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 4-6 hours (chilling & freezing)
• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Cuisines: European, British
• Course: Dessert
• Servings: 6-8

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Ice cream maker
• Blender or food processor
• Fine mesh sieve
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Freezer-safe container with a lid

Ingredients

• 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen blackcurrants
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (250ml) whole milk
• 1 ½ cups (375ml) heavy cream
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Blackcurrant Puree

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the blackcurrants and half the sugar (about ⅜ cup or 75g). Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the berries start to break down and release their juices.
2. Blend the mixture using a food processor or blender until smooth.
3. Pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Discard the seeds and set the smooth puree aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

4. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam but does not boil.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar and a pinch of salt until pale and slightly thickened.
6. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
7. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Do not let it boil.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine & Chill

9. Stir the blackcurrant puree, heavy cream, and lemon juice into the custard base, mixing well to combine.
10. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or until thoroughly chilled.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

11. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes).
12. The ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to firm up.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

13. When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
14. Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy your homemade blackcurrant ice cream!

Tips for Best Results

• If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours to break up ice crystals and achieve a creamy texture.
• Fresh blackcurrants work best, but frozen blackcurrants are a great substitute. If using frozen, thaw them first before making the puree.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on the tartness of your blackcurrants.
• Add a splash of cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) for a more intense flavor.

Conclusion

This homemade blackcurrant ice cream recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the rich, tangy flavor of blackcurrants in a smooth and creamy frozen dessert. Whether made for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this easy-to-follow recipe will deliver a deliciously satisfying ice cream that you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and savor the natural goodness of blackcurrants in every scoop!

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Ashley Doyle

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.