Maple Walnut Ice Cream
Maple Walnut Ice Cream is a rich and creamy dessert that combines the deep sweetness of pure maple syrup with crunchy toasted walnuts. This homemade ice cream offers a smooth texture and a delightful balance of flavors, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a complement to other desserts, Maple Walnut Ice Cream is sure to become a favorite.
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker (1)
- Medium Saucepan – 1
- Mixing Bowl – 1
- Whisk (1)
- Spatula (1)
- Storage container with airtight lid – 1
Ingredients
- Heavy cream – 2 cups
- Whole milk – 1 cup
- Pure maple syrup – 1 cup
- Egg yolks – 6
- Walnuts toasted and chopped – 1 cup
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Vanilla extract optional – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Prepare the Walnut Mixture
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Once golden and fragrant, remove from heat and let cool. Chop the walnuts into small pieces.
Make the Maple Custard Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and maple syrup. Heat over medium heat while stirring occasionally.In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and salt. Once the milk mixture is hot, slowly pour it into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
Chill the Mixture
- Remove the custard from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer it to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will take about 20-30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Add Walnuts
- Gently fold the toasted walnuts into the churned ice cream.
Freeze the Ice Cream
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, smooth the surface with a spatula, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid imitation maple syrup, which contains artificial flavors.
- Make sure to toast the walnuts carefully to enhance their flavor, but avoid burning them. Stir them constantly while toasting.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make this ice cream by placing the mixture in a container and stirring it every 30 minutes during the freezing process to break up ice crystals.
- For a firmer texture, allow the ice cream to freeze overnight.
- The ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.