Easy Homemade Maple Flavored Ice Cream Recipe
Indulge in the rich, deep taste with this delectable maple flavored ice cream recipe. Perfect for elevating your favorite pies or adding a touch of luxury to your breakfast, this maple ice cream is a versatile treat that captures the essence of autumn in every spoonful.
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to explore the wonderful world of maple. This recipe goes beyond the typical uses of maple syrup, transforming it into a creamy, frozen delight that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
What sets this maple ice cream apart is its intense maple flavor, achieved with less syrup than you might expect. This means you’ll have plenty left over for drizzling on top or saving for other culinary adventures. The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and a dash of salt that brings out the full spectrum of maple’s complex notes.
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup (178ml) maple syrup
- 1 cup (237ml) cream
- 1 1/2 cups (356ml) half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon (2.8g) kosher salt
Directions
- In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and maple syrup until well-combined. Add cream and half-and-half, whisking to incorporate. Place the pan over medium heat.
- Cook the mixture, whisking frequently, until a custard forms. You’ll know it’s ready when you can run your finger across the back of a spoon dipped in the custard, and it leaves a clean line. This process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the custard. Strain the mixture into an airtight container to remove any lumps or cooked egg bits.
- Refrigerate the custard overnight, or for at least six hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to chill thoroughly.
- Once chilled, pour the custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The churning process usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your machine.
- Transfer the churned ice cream back into an airtight container and freeze for at least three hours before serving. This allows the ice cream to firm up to the perfect scoopable consistency.
Pro Tips for Perfect Maple Ice Cream
- For a more robust maple flavor, opt for Grade B maple syrup. Its darker color and stronger taste will shine through in the final product.
- Don’t skimp on the salt! It may seem like a lot, but that full teaspoon of kosher salt is crucial for bringing out the complex flavors of the maple syrup.
- For an extra-creamy texture, you can substitute the half-and-half with additional heavy cream.
- Serve this ice cream alongside warm apple pie for a truly autumnal dessert experience.
- Get creative with toppings! Try a sprinkle of toasted pecans, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or even a few crispy bacon bits for a sweet-and-salty twist.
Serving Suggestions
While this maple ice cream is divine on its own, its versatility truly shines when paired with other dishes. Here are some mouthwatering ideas to try:
- Top a warm slice of pumpkin, apple, or pecan pie for the ultimate fall dessert.
- Scoop onto a stack of fresh French toast or waffles for an indulgent breakfast treat.
- Serve alongside a slice of warm gingerbread for a festive holiday dessert.
- Use as a topping for baked apples or pears for a simple yet elegant dessert.
- Blend into milkshakes for a maple-infused twist on a classic treat.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 8 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 240 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 15g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat 8g | 41% |
| Cholesterol 196mg | 65% |
| Sodium 226mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrate 21g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 19g | |
| Protein 6g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 1% |
| Calcium 74mg | 6% |
| Iron 1mg | 4% |
| Potassium 146mg | 3% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This maple ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. For the best texture, allow it to soften at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving. If you want to make the base ahead of time, the custard can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before churning.
Customization Ideas
While this maple ice cream is perfect as is, feel free to get creative with mix-ins or variations:
- Stir in some chopped, toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Swirl in a ribbon of caramel sauce before the final freeze for a maple-caramel delight.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of bourbon for depth of flavor.
- Mix in some crumbled bacon bits for a trendy sweet-and-salty combination.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to your holiday pies or just craving a unique homemade ice cream, this maple ice cream recipe is sure to impress. Its rich, complex flavors capture the essence of pure maple syrup in a creamy, frozen form that’s impossible to resist. So grab your ice cream maker and get churning – a world of maple-infused delight awaits!