Macadamia Nut Ice Cream Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Indulging in a creamy, luscious ice cream at home is a delight like no other, especially when it features the rich, buttery flavor of macadamia nuts. Macadamia nut ice cream is a decadent treat that combines the subtle sweetness of vanilla with the distinctive crunch and nutty aroma of roasted macadamias.

Whether it’s a hot summer afternoon or a cozy night in, this homemade ice cream recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your family and friends.

Making macadamia nut ice cream from scratch allows you to control the ingredients for a fresher, more vibrant flavor. Plus, it’s an excellent way to elevate a simple dessert with a luxurious twist.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe that results in perfectly creamy ice cream with just the right amount of nutty goodness in every bite. Ready your ice cream maker and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This macadamia nut ice cream recipe is a standout for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly rich and creamy, thanks to the use of whole milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks, which create a smooth custard base that freezes beautifully.

The roasted macadamia nuts add a delightful crunch and a deep, buttery flavor that perfectly complements the vanilla-infused ice cream.

Additionally, this recipe is customizable — you can adjust the sweetness or add mix-ins such as chocolate chips or caramel swirls. It’s also a fantastic way to impress guests with homemade ice cream that tastes like it belongs in a gourmet shop.

Finally, it’s a great starting point if you want to explore other nut-based ice creams or experiment with vegan alternatives, which you can discover in other recipes like our Cashew Milk Recipe Raw Vegan: Easy Homemade Guide.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup roasted macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
• Optional: pinch of salt to enhance flavor

Equipment

• Ice cream maker
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Freezer-safe container for storage

Instructions

1. Prepare the custard base: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat to avoid boiling.
2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
3. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about one cup of the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This gradual process prevents the eggs from scrambling.
4. Cook the custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F or 77°C). Do not let it boil.
5. Strain and cool: Remove from heat and strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Roast the macadamia nuts: If your nuts aren’t already roasted, spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool, then chop roughly.
7. 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) until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
8. Add the macadamia nuts: In the last 5 minutes of churning, add the chopped macadamia nuts so they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
9. Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
10. Serve and enjoy: Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy your homemade macadamia nut ice cream!

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, always chill your custard base thoroughly before churning. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and reduces ice crystal formation.

Try adding a swirl of caramel or white chocolate chunks along with the macadamias for an extra indulgent treat.

If you want a vegan variation, substitute the dairy with coconut milk and use aquafaba or cornstarch as an egg replacer. For inspiration, check out our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals.

To get a more intense macadamia flavor, you can lightly toast the nuts in butter before chopping them. Be sure to watch closely so they don’t burn!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This macadamia nut ice cream shines on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts. Try serving it alongside a warm slice of fruit pie or a decadent chocolate brownie for an irresistible combo.

For a lighter touch, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or drizzle with honey. You can also make a classic ice cream sundae with a topping of fresh berries, whipped cream, and a few extra macadamia nuts for crunch.

Looking for more delicious and refreshing dessert ideas? Check out our Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Vegan Ice Cream Recipes To Try for plant-based inspiration.

Conclusion

Making macadamia nut ice cream at home is a rewarding experience that results in a rich, creamy dessert packed with delightful nutty flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a luxurious ice cream that rivals any store-bought brand.

The roasted macadamias add the perfect texture contrast, making every spoonful a little celebration of flavor and crunch.

This recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to elegant dinner parties. If you’re interested in exploring more homemade recipes that bring joy and flavor to your kitchen, don’t miss our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas and Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Happy cooking and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite!

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