This easy homemade blackberry ice cream is a berry lover’s dream! It’s creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh blackberry flavor. Plus, no ice cream maker is needed!
I can’t resist sneaking a scoop (or two) whenever I make it. Pair it with a homemade waffle cone, and you might just think you’re at a fancy ice cream shop! 😋
Making this ice cream is simple and fun. Just blend blackberries, cream, and sugar together, freeze it, and enjoy! It’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries offer the best flavor, but frozen ones work in a pinch. Just thaw them before using. If you can’t find blackberries, consider raspberry or blueberry as alternatives for a similar berry taste.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness. If you’re looking to cut sugar, you could try using a sugar substitute like stevia or agave syrup, adjusting to taste as some are sweeter than sugar.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: I prefer using whole milk and heavy cream for creaminess, but you can substitute low-fat milk and half-and-half if you want a slightly lighter ice cream. However, the texture may be less creamy.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a lovely flavor. You could use almond extract for a different twist, or leave it out if you want a more straightforward fruit flavor.
Lemon Juice: This is optional, but I love it for a brightness that enhances the overall flavor. If you don’t have lemon juice, a touch of lime juice would also work.
What’s the Best Way to Puree the Blackberries for Smooth Ice Cream?
Pureeing the blackberries well will ensure your ice cream is smooth and creamy. You can use a blender or food processor for this. Here’s how to do it:
- After mashing, blend the blackberry mixture until smooth.
- If you want to avoid any seeds, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve. This step is optional but makes for a silky texture!
Taking these steps will elevate your ice cream and make sure every bite is a delight!
Easy Homemade Blackberry Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ice cream takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 4 hours to freeze until firm. It’s a perfect, easy recipe to plan for ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Blackberries
In a medium bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the blackberries. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and the lemon juice (if using). Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the blackberries release their delicious juices.
2. Puree the Mixture
After letting the blackberries sit, pour the mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a seedless ice cream, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds.
3. Combine the Cream Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Keep whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a nice sweet base for your ice cream.
4. Add in the Cream
Next, pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract into the milk mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined and blended perfectly.
5. Mix in the Blackberry Puree
Add the blackberry puree to the creamy mixture. Stir well so that the berry flavor is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You want every scoop to be bursting with that delicious blackberry goodness!
6. Churn the Ice Cream
Now it’s time to churn! Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This should take about 20-25 minutes, and you’ll notice the mixture thickening to a soft-serve consistency.
7. Freeze the Ice Cream
Once churned, transfer your ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Smooth out the top and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and ready to scoop.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your creamy homemade blackberry ice cream is now ready to be enjoyed! Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, and if you like, garnish with a few fresh blackberries on top. Enjoy your refreshing treat!
Dig in and savor every mouthful of your tasty, berry-infused creation! 🍦
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely before mashing to release their juices. This will help maintain the flavor and consistency in your ice cream.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Ice Cream?
If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, feel free to reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or more, depending on your taste preference. Keep in mind that the natural sweetness of the blackberries also contributes to the overall sweetness!
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
Yes, you can! Pour the mixture into a shallow dish instead of using an ice cream maker. Freeze for about 1 hour, then stir vigorously with a fork. Repeat every 30 minutes until the ice cream is firm and creamy, which may take about 4-5 hours total.
How Long Does This Ice Cream Last in the Freezer?
Homemade blackberry ice cream can last in the freezer for about 2-3 weeks if stored in an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, try to consume it within the first week!
