Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of winter's most vibrant flavors in every single creamy, tangy spoonful. This Spiced Cranberry Ice Cream isn't just another frozen treat—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary sensory experience. With its perfect balance of tart cranberries, warm spices, and rich cream, this recipe will transport you to a cozy holiday kitchen, making your taste buds dance with pure delight.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cranberries
- Sugar
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 2 cups of fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries with 1 cup of sugar. Stir to coat the cranberries in the sugar.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Once the cranberries have softened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Once the cranberry mixture has cooled, add it to the bowl with the cream mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the combined mixture into an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer's instructions. Churn the ice cream until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Smooth the top with a spatula, then seal the container with a lid.
- Place the container in the freezer and allow the ice cream to harden for at least 4 hours, or until it reaches your desired firmness.
- Once the ice cream is fully frozen, scoop and serve in bowls or cones. Enjoy your homemade spiced cranberry ice cream!
Tips
- Use fresh, plump cranberries for the most intense flavor and best texture.
- Allow the cranberry mixture to cool completely before mixing with cream to prevent curdling.
- For extra smoothness, consider straining the cranberry mixture to remove any tough skin.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture and manually stir every hour to break up ice crystals.
- For a more intense spice profile, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect scoopable consistency.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 80mg
