Prepare to embark on a tantalizing flavor journey that will transform your dessert experience forever! Imagine a creamy, smooth ice cream that whispers the delicate, earthy notes of rooibos tea with every luxurious spoonful. This isn't just another ordinary ice cream recipe - it's a gourmet adventure that brings the unique essence of South African tea culture directly into your kitchen. Whether you're a tea lover, an ice cream enthusiast, or simply someone who craves extraordinary culinary experiences, this Rooibos Tea Ice Cream will revolutionize your dessert game and leave your taste buds begging for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: South African
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 rooibos tea bags
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and rooibos tea bags. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let the tea bags steep in the warm milk mixture for 10 minutes to extract maximum flavor, gently pressing the bags to release their essence.
- Remove and discard the tea bags, squeezing out any remaining liquid back into the milk mixture.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt to the infused milk, whisking thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, allowing the rooibos flavor to fully develop and the mixture to become completely chilled.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover tightly and freeze for an additional 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Scoop and serve the rooibos tea ice cream chilled, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of loose rooibos tea leaves.
Tips
- Use high-quality, fresh rooibos tea bags for the most authentic and robust flavor profile.
- Allow the tea bags to steep precisely 10 minutes - not less, not more - to extract optimal flavor without bitterness.
- Ensure your mixture is completely chilled before churning to achieve the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe by freezing and manually stirring the mixture every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals.
- For an extra gourmet touch, consider adding a light sprinkle of loose rooibos tea leaves as a garnish just before serving.
- Store the ice cream in an airtight container to maintain its delicate flavor and prevent freezer burn.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before scooping for the easiest serving experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 100mg
