This Berry Crumble Ice Cream is a fun treat that combines sweet and tangy berries with a crunchy crumble topping. It’s a perfect blend of cool creaminess and fruity flavor!
I love how easy it is to whip up at home. Just mix, freeze, and enjoy the delicious bites of berry goodness. Bonus points if you sneak some crumble on top—yum! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heavy Cream: Essential for a rich, creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a blend of whole milk and cream, but the final product will be less creamy.
Whole Milk: This adds creaminess too. You can choose low-fat milk, but keep in mind it will create a less rich flavor. Coconut milk can also be a fun alternative for a dairy-free version.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens the ice cream. For a healthier option, consider using honey, maple syrup, or a sweetener like stevia, adjusting the amount to your taste.
Mixed Berries: Fresh berries are ideal for flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen berries work just as well; just ensure they’re thawed and drained before use.
Crumble Topping: You can use store-bought crumble for convenience. If you prefer homemade, consider adding oats or nuts for extra texture.
How Do I Make the Perfect Berry Compote?
The key to an excellent berry compote is cooking the berries just enough to break them down without turning them into a jelly. Here are the steps to get it right:
- Combine mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
- Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The berries should soften and some break down, creating a thick mixture.
- Let it cool before adding to your ice cream. This helps prevent the ice cream from melting when mixed.
Feel free to adjust the sugar based on the berries’ tartness. Enjoy the sweet aroma while it cooks!
Berry Crumble Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Berry Compote:
- 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for berries)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup crumble topping (store-bought or homemade)
For Homemade Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 20 minutes for preparation and another 4 hours in the freezer to set. A little patience will give you a creamy, berry-packed ice cream that’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Berry Compote:
Start by combining the mixed berries, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the berries to break down and form a slightly thick mixture. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
If you’re making your crumble from scratch, first preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Next, cut in the cold butter pieces with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. Spread this mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it turns golden brown. Once baked, let it cool and then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Ice Cream Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved before moving on to the next step.
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the ice cream base into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and churn the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve consistency—this usually takes about 20-30 minutes!
5. Layer and Swirl:
Grab a freezer-safe container and start layering! Transfer about a third of the churned ice cream into the bottom, then dollop on some of the cooled berry compote and sprinkle some crumble topping over that layer. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a layer of ice cream on top. Use a spatula to swirl everything lightly for a beautiful marbled effect.
6. Freeze:
Cover the container tightly and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 4 hours or until it’s fully firm.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to treat yourself, scoop the berry crumble ice cream into bowls or cups. You can garnish with fresh berries and some extra crumble topping if you like. Enjoy your homemade berry delight!
Can I Use Different Berries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite berries. Strawberries, blueberries, or even cherries can work beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the sugar level based on the tartness of the berries you’re using.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can pour the ice cream base into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Stir it every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours, until it reaches a creamy consistency. This will help break up any ice crystals that form.
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep well for about 2 weeks. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
Can I Make the Crumble Topping Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to use it, give it a quick crumble with your fingers before adding it to the ice cream layers for optimal crunch!
