Plum Ice Cream

There’s something undeniably magical about creating your own homemade ice cream, especially when it involves the luscious sweetness of plums. Plum ice cream, with its rich fruity flavor and velvety texture, is a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the essence of summer.

I’m going to walk you through an exquisite plum ice cream recipe that combines the juicy goodness of fresh plums with the creamy indulgence of ice cream. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment – just your trusty ice cream maker, a food processor, and a handful of simple ingredients.

Ingredients

I prefer an American style ice cream because with no egg yolks, there is no need to make an egg custard.

Plums: Late summer is the time for plums, so grab them while you can. You can use any plums, but I try and use local or Italian prune plums. The flavor is in the skins so pick some dark ones! Remember, the riper the plums, the sweeter your ice cream will be.

Heavy Cream (Double Cream): Heavy cream is another must in making vanilla ice cream. It adds richness, body, and flavor to the finished product. When selecting a heavy cream, you may also see terms like “whipping” (double cream) or “cooking” cream. These are both suitable for making ice cream. Heavy whipping cream will produce a lighter finished product, while cooking cream will result in richer ice cream.

Honey: I decided to use honey with this recipe because it is so good with plum! You can use granulated sugar or brown sugar.

Ginger: I always add a hint of ginger – it works so well with both the plums and the honey!

Plum Brandy or Cherry Liqueur: For the adults out there, adding a dash of with spirit can never hurt!

Steps

It only takes a few simple steps for this great recipe:

Creating the Plum Puree:

Begin by washing, pitting, and chopping the plums in half. I then roast my plums in 500º F for about 10 minutes, This brings out that thick plummy flavor. You don’t have to do this but I really think it helps.

In a food processor, combine the chopped plums and ginger if you are having it and make the plum purée. Then add the cream and liquor if you are using.

For a refined texture, pass the plum puree through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids or skins. Set the strained plum puree aside and add the honey.

Freeze (skip this step if you’re using an ice cream maker)

Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container or a shallow loaf pan (and cover tightly with plastic wrap) and place it in the freezer for about 4 hours.

After it’s completely frozen, keep the ice cream at room temperature to partially thaw it. Transfer it to the food processor for a minute or two (for a light, fluffy texture). Transfer the ice cream back into its container and refreeze for at least 3 hours.

Chill and transfer to the ice cream machine (skip this step if you’re not using an ice cream maker)

Place the ice cream mixture into a large bowl in the refrigerator until it is chilled. Transfer the mixture to the chilled container of your ice-cream maker and churn ice cream as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

You can start eating your homemade ice cream immediately or keep it in the freezer for a couple of hours to firm it up.

Equipment for Making Plum Ice Cream

I used all these!

1. Ice Cream Maker: A dedicated ice cream maker will help churn the ice cream mixture while freezing it simultaneously, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.
2. Food Processor or Blender: A food processor or blender is essential for creating a smooth and consistent plum puree.
3. Medium Saucepan: You’ll need a medium-sized saucepan for heating the plums.
4. Mixing Bowls: Bowls for mixing ingredients, making the custard base, and combining the plum puree.
5. Whisk: A whisk is crucial for mixing the custard base and ensuring a smooth texture.
6. Fine-Mesh Strainer: This is useful for straining the plum puree to remove any solids or skins.
7. Freezer-Safe Container: A container with an airtight lid for storing the ice cream while it sets in the freezer.
8. Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir and mix the ice cream mixture.

The Ice Cream maker to use!

Tips

When making plum ice cream, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure success:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your ice cream will only be as good as the ingredients you use. Opt for fresh, high-quality cream, milk, and eggs.
• Chill your mixture thoroughly: Before churning, make sure your ice cream mixture is thoroughly chilled. This will help it freeze more quickly and evenly, resulting in a smoother texture. Aim for a temperature of around 40°F.
• Don’t overfill your ice cream maker: It can be tempting to fill your ice cream maker to the brim, but this can actually impede the freezing process. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended capacity, and if you need to make a larger batch, do it in batches.
• Add mix-ins at the end: If you’re adding mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit, wait until the last few minutes of churning to add them. This will help ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
• Freeze your ice cream properly: Once your ice cream is churned, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze it for several hours or overnight. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.

By following these tips and tricks, you can create great ice cream that’s sure to impress.

Variations

Plum ice cream can be customized in many ways. Here are some variations that I think are delicious!

• Spiced Plum Ice Cream: Infuse your plum ice cream with warm and comforting spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Simply add a pinch of your favorite spices to the cream mixture while it’s steeping, and let the flavors meld together. Strain before combining with the plum puree for a unique twist on the classic.
• Balsamic Plum Ice Cream: Introduce a tangy note by reducing balsamic vinegar with sugar into a syrup and incorporating it into your plum puree. The balsamic reduction will balance the sweetness of the plums and create a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Almond Plum Ice Cream: Enhance the nuttiness of plums by adding almond extract to your ice cream base. The delicate almond flavor will complement the plum’s natural essence and create a well-rounded, indulgent treat.
• Cream Cheese Plum DIce Cream: For a luxurious twist, mix softened cream cheese into your custard base before combining it with the plum puree. The cream cheese adds tanginess and a velvety texture that beautifully contrasts with the fruity swirls.
• Chai-Spiced Plum Ice Cream: Brew a strong chai tea and let it cool before incorporating it into your cream mixture. The aromatic spices in chai, such as cardamom, cloves, and black pepper, will infuse your plum ice cream with a complex and aromatic flavor profile.

Remember, when experimenting with variations, start with small quantities of additional ingredients and adjust to your taste. Plum ice cream is a canvas for your creativity, so don’t hesitate to explore different flavors that resonate with your preferences.

Frequently asked questions

The Cherry on Top

This plum ice cream recipe offers the best of both worlds: the creamy decadence of classic vanilla ice cream paired with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of fresh plums. The process may take a bit of time, but the results are well worth the effort. Whether you’re using plums from your own tree or they come from the local market, this homemade plum ice cream is bound to become a cherished summer tradition!

List of other ice creams

Here’s the Plum Ice Cream recipe!