Description
This luscious Rhubarb Ice Cream with Fresh Rhubarb is a perfect summer treat that combines the tartness of fresh rhubarb with the creamy richness of homemade ice cream. The recipe involves making a rhubarb jam, creating a custard base, and churning it into smooth, flavorful ice cream with swirls of tangy rhubarb jam throughout.
Ingredients
Rhubarb Jam
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh rhubarb
- 1-1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 6 large (120 grams) egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Rhubarb Jam: Remove any green parts from the rhubarb stalks, wash thoroughly, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a large saucepan with sugar and salt; toss to combine and let sit for 30 minutes until liquid is released.
- Cook the Rhubarb: Heat the mixture over medium-high until it begins to simmer with steam and small bubbles. Reduce heat to medium and stir continuously until rhubarb softens and breaks down. Use the back of a spoon to mash it and continue cooking until thickened to a jam-like consistency.
- Cool the Jam: Pour the rhubarb jam into a measuring cup, expect about 1-2/3 cups. Allow to cool to room temperature (75-80°F).
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base: Clean the saucepan and combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, egg yolks, and corn syrup. Whisk until well mixed and slightly yellowed from egg yolks.
- Add Rhubarb Jam to Base: Stir in about 3/4 cup of the cooled rhubarb jam into the dairy mixture.
- Cook the Custard: Heat over medium, whisking constantly until mixture reaches 175°F. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Strain the Custard: Pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove any rhubarb pieces or cooked egg bits, pressing with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Finish the Base: Stir in the vanilla extract and refrigerate the base for at least 8 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Follow your ice cream machine’s instructions to churn the chilled custard until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Layer with Rhubarb Jam: Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container in three layers, alternating with dollops of remaining rhubarb jam. Lightly swirl the jam into the ice cream with two or three turns of a spoon or spatula.
- Freeze: Cover the ice cream with plastic wrap and foil if using an open container, or place the lid if using a specialized ice cream container. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Serve: If ice cream is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Storage: Consume within 2-3 weeks for best texture and flavor; longer storage can cause icy texture.
Notes
- Use fresh rhubarb for the best tart flavor and texture.
- Do not let the custard mixture boil to avoid curdling.
- The corn syrup helps keep the ice cream soft and scoopable even when frozen.
- Swirling the jam gently preserves pockets of rhubarb flavor and texture in the ice cream.
- Allow the ice cream to soften slightly if it becomes too hard in the freezer.
- Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within a few weeks to maintain texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American