Ginger Ice Cream Recipes for a Refreshing Twist

Ginger ice cream is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the warming spice of ginger with the creamy sweetness of traditional ice cream. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or simply looking to try something unique and refreshing, ginger ice cream offers a wonderful twist on your classic frozen dessert.

The gentle heat from fresh ginger combined with the richness of the cream creates a soothing yet invigorating palate experience that is ideal for both hot summer days and cozy winter evenings. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some patience during the chilling process.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through several ginger ice cream recipes that range from classic to innovative, including options with candied ginger, honey, and even a dairy-free version. Whether you own an ice cream maker or prefer a no-churn method, there’s a recipe here perfect for you.

Prepare to impress your family, friends, or even yourself with this aromatic and luxurious dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why ginger ice cream should find a permanent place in your recipe collection. First, ginger is well-known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, making this dessert a little healthier than your average sweet treat.

The natural spiciness adds depth and complexity to the ice cream, elevating it beyond standard vanilla or chocolate flavors.

Additionally, ginger ice cream is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with desserts like apple pie, pear tarts, or even spicy chocolate cakes.

The refreshing zing of ginger also helps cleanse the palate, making it an excellent choice for a post-meal dessert. And best of all, making this ice cream at home allows you to control the amount of sugar and spice, tailoring it exactly to your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large egg yolks
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped candied ginger

Equipment

• Ice cream maker (or a large freezer-safe container for no-churn method)
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for fresh ginger)

Instructions

1. Infuse the cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and freshly grated ginger. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let the ginger steep for 30 minutes to maximize flavor.
2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar: While the cream is infusing, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
3. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about 1 cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This step prevents the eggs from scrambling by gradually raising their temperature.
4. Cook the custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 170°F or 77°C). Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Strain and cool: Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove the ginger solids and any cooked egg bits. Stir in the vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.
6. Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20-25 minutes). If using candied ginger, add it in the last 5 minutes of churning.
7. Freeze to firm up: Transfer the soft ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for an additional 4 hours or until firm.
8. Serve and enjoy: Scoop the ginger ice cream into bowls or cones and savor the spicy, creamy goodness!

Tips & Variations

“For an extra kick, try adding a splash of ginger liqueur or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the custard mixture.”

• Use crystallized ginger: For a chewy texture and bursts of intense ginger flavor, stir in chopped crystallized ginger just before freezing.
• Dairy-free option: Replace heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar for a vegan-friendly treat.
• Honey ginger ice cream: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with honey to add floral sweetness that complements the ginger.
• Add texture: Mix in toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• No ice cream maker? Pour the custard into a container and freeze, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Ginger ice cream is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of desserts and dishes. Try serving it alongside warm apple or pear crisps for a comforting contrast between hot and cold.

It also complements rich chocolate desserts remarkably well — a scoop atop a slice of chocolate cake or brownie adds a spicy balance to the sweetness.

For a lighter option, top your ginger ice cream with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You can also experiment by garnishing with toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the warm, spicy notes.

Don’t forget to serve it in elegant bowls or waffle cones for an extra touch of indulgence!

Conclusion

Making homemade ginger ice cream is a rewarding experience that brings a unique and flavorful twist to your dessert repertoire. The warming spice of ginger combined with the smooth creaminess of the ice cream creates a sophisticated treat that’s sure to impress.

Whether you choose the classic recipe or one of the variations, this ice cream is both comforting and refreshing, perfect for any season.

With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a delicious batch of ginger ice cream ready to enjoy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins and serving ideas to make it your own.

For more inspiring dessert recipes, check out our Classic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Spiced Pumpkin Pie, and Honey Lavender Panna Cotta to expand your culinary horizons. Happy cooking and even happier tasting!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Ginger Ice Cream”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and spicy ginger ice cream that offers a refreshing twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of warmth and zing in their sweets.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups heavy cream”, “1 cup whole milk”, “3/4 cup granulated sugar”, “1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated”, “4 large egg yolks”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “Pinch of salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar, grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to steam, then remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, whisk egg yolks until pale.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Strain the custard to remove ginger bits and cool to room temperature.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer\u2019s instructions.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Freeze for 2 hours before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280”, “proteinContent”: “4g”, “fatContent”: “22g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15g”}}