Treat Yourself to the Ultimate Homemade Black Walnut Ice Cream Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

A Taste of Homemade Black Walnut Ice Cream

Few desserts bring as much joy as a scoop of homemade ice cream, and when it’s flavored with the unique, earthy taste of black walnuts, it’s a real treat. Black walnuts add a distinct flavor that’s more robust and slightly more bitter than the common English walnut, creating a rich and sophisticated twist on traditional ice cream. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this homemade black walnut ice cream recipe is simple to make, yet feels indulgent and special.

Why Black Walnut?

Black walnuts are known for their bold, distinct taste, often described as woodsy, nutty, and slightly bitter, making them an ideal ingredient for anyone looking to add depth and character to their desserts. They offer a bit more complexity than standard walnuts, which makes this ice cream perfect for someone who enjoys sophisticated, layered flavors. Paired with a creamy, custard-based ice cream, these toasted black walnuts take an already decadent treat to the next level.

Crafting the Perfect Black Walnut Ice Cream

The secret to making truly great homemade ice cream lies in creating a smooth and rich custard base. Here’s how you can make it yourself:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped black walnuts, toasted

Directions:

1. Prepare the custard: Begin by combining the heavy cream and whole milk in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, being careful not to let it boil. You want it to just begin to simmer before removing it from the heat.
2. Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick. This process helps to dissolve the sugar while incorporating air into the egg yolks, leading to a lighter texture.
3. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This gradual process prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly and scrambling. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan.
4. Cook the custard: Over medium heat, stir the mixture constantly until it thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can ruin the texture of the custard.
5. Add vanilla and salt: Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These additions enhance the overall flavor, making the ice cream taste well-balanced and just a little more refined.
6. Chill the custard: Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it’s completely chilled.
7. Churn the ice cream: Once your custard has chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. The mixture will gradually transform into a creamy ice cream. During the final 5 minutes of churning, add the toasted black walnuts for that signature flavor.
8. Freeze: After churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until it has firmed up to your desired consistency. This step ensures that the ice cream is scoopable and ready to enjoy!

The Ultimate Dessert for Nut Lovers

This homemade black walnut ice cream is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The richness of the custard combined with the toasted black walnuts creates a flavor that’s simultaneously creamy, nutty, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or enjoying it on a quiet night at home, this recipe is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

If you're looking to step outside the usual vanilla or chocolate options and add something unique to your ice cream repertoire, this black walnut ice cream is the perfect choice. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making homemade ice cream all along.

Here are some sources that discuss how to make black walnut ice cream and provide insights into the ingredients and methods:

1. Ice Cream From Scratch explains the process of creating a custard base for black walnut ice cream and emphasizes the importance of properly toasting the walnuts to enhance their flavor. They also provide various add-ins like chocolate or caramel to complement the distinct nutty flavor of black walnuts​(Ice Cream From Scratch).
2. Simply Cookings provides a detailed recipe that guides you through making a smooth custard, tempering the eggs, and churning the ice cream. They highlight the importance of thoroughly chilling the custard before churning and recommend freezing the mixture for at least four hours to achieve the best texture​(Simplycookings.com).
3. Hunter Angler Gardener Cook shares a more traditional approach to making black walnut ice cream, where they use a high-butterfat custard base. They also discuss using large walnut pieces for added texture​(Hunter Angler Gardener Cook).

These sources should give you a solid foundation for making your own black walnut ice cream at home.