Strawberry Basil Bliss Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Basil Bliss Ice Cream is a refreshing twist on the classic strawberry ice cream. This unique dessert blends the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe strawberries with the aromatic, slightly peppery taste of fresh basil, creating a perfect balance between fruity and herbaceous. Its creamy texture, combined with the unexpected herb infusion, will delight your taste buds with each spoonful. This homemade ice cream is a great way to enjoy a gourmet treat while keeping it simple and natural, with the vibrant colors and flavors of summer in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of the sugar. Let the strawberries sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the sugar to draw out the juice and soften the fruit. Afterward, mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher to your desired consistency (smooth or chunky).

2. Make the Basil Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the basil leaves, remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain out the basil leaves, pressing them to extract the maximum flavor.

3. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream, milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the mashed strawberries and basil syrup to the cream mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.

4. Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The colder the mixture, the better the texture of the ice cream.

5. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

6. Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. The total prep time is about 25 minutes, with an additional 2 hours of refrigeration time and 4 hours of freezing time to achieve the perfect texture.

Variations

• Non-Dairy: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk to make a dairy-free version of this ice cream.

• Add-ins: For extra texture and flavor, mix in chopped nuts, dark chocolate chunks, or even a drizzle of honey before churning.

• Herb Variations: If basil isn’t to your taste, try experimenting with other herbs like mint or thyme for a different flavor profile.

• Vegan: Use plant-based cream and milk alternatives, and make sure the sugar used is vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Strawberry Basil Bliss Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For best results, allow it to soften for a few minutes at room temperature before scooping, as homemade ice creams can sometimes be a bit firmer than store-bought varieties.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used in place of fresh ones. However, make sure to thaw them before mashing to release their juices.

2. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make no-churn ice cream by pouring the mixture into a container and freezing it. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to prevent ice crystals from forming.

3. How can I make the ice cream creamier?

Using full-fat cream and ensuring the mixture is thoroughly chilled before churning will help achieve a creamier texture.

4. Can I add more basil for a stronger flavor?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of basil according to your taste. Adding more basil will intensify the herbal flavor.

5. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still enjoy homemade ice cream by freezing the mixture and stirring it every 30 minutes until it thickens.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Strawberry Basil Bliss Ice Cream is naturally gluten-free.

7. Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?

Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for sugar, but the texture may be slightly different.

8. How do I know when the ice cream is ready to freeze?

The ice cream is ready to freeze when it reaches a soft-serve consistency after churning.

9. Can I add alcohol to the ice cream for an adult twist?

Yes, a tablespoon of vodka or rum can be added to the base mixture before churning to prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard and to give it an adult flavor.

10. How can I make this recipe low-sugar?

To make the recipe lower in sugar, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol.

Conclusion

Strawberry Basil Bliss Ice Cream offers a unique flavor combination that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The sweet strawberries combined with the herbaceous twist of basil make for a delightful summer treat that will leave your taste buds dancing. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this gourmet dessert at home and impress your guests or simply enjoy it yourself on a warm day. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a few variations, this ice cream is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.