Oh, let me tell you about this incredible roasted strawberries lime basil ice cream! It’s like summer in a bowl, bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, the zing of lime, and a hint of aromatic basil. Seriously, it takes traditional ice cream to a whole new level! I remember one hot afternoon, my friends and I were lounging in the backyard, and I whipped up a batch of this delight. The moment we took our first bites, it was pure bliss—cool, creamy, and oh-so-refreshing! Each spoonful felt like a little celebration, and the unique flavor combination had everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, if you’re looking for a fun and fancy treat to beat the heat, this ice cream is a must-try!
Ingredients for Roasted Strawberries Lime Basil Ice Cream
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for roasting the strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to enhance the flavor of the strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for that zesty kick)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (to brighten up the ice cream)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (don’t skimp on the freshness!)
- 1 cup heavy cream, packed (for that rich, creamy texture)
- 1 cup whole milk (to balance the creaminess)
- 3/4 cup sugar (for the base sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because everything’s better with vanilla!)
How to Prepare Roasted Strawberries Lime Basil Ice Cream
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your strawberries start roasting immediately when they hit the baking sheet. This helps them caramelize beautifully and brings out their natural sweetness—yum!
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Now, grab your hulled and halved strawberries and toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The sugar will help draw out the juices, and the olive oil adds a lovely richness. Once they’re well coated, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer—this helps them roast evenly. Trust me, the smell of roasting strawberries is heavenly!
Step 3: Roast the Strawberries
Pop those strawberries into the preheated oven and roast them for about 20 minutes. Give them a little shake halfway through if you feel like it. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft and their juices are bubbling up. Let them cool for a bit before we move on to the next step—patience pays off here!
Step 4: Blend the Mixture
Once the strawberries have cooled, it’s blending time! Toss them into a blender along with 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of lime zest, and the chopped fresh basil. Blend until smooth and delightful. The combination of flavors here is pure magic—trust me!
Step 5: Whisk the Cream and Milk
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved. This step is crucial because it ensures a creamy, smooth texture in your ice cream. You want that sweet creaminess to shine!
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Now, it’s time to mix! Pour the strawberry blend into the cream mixture and stir gently until everything is well combined. Don’t rush this part—take your time to make sure those flavors meld together beautifully. It’s like a flavor party in a bowl!
Step 7: Chill and Churn
Cover your mixture and pop it in the refrigerator to chill for about 2 hours. This helps the flavors develop and cools the mixture down, which is essential for churning. Once it’s nice and chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll want to keep an eye on it as it thickens up—exciting, right?
Step 8: Freeze the Ice Cream
After churning, transfer your luscious ice cream to a container and freeze it for at least 4 hours to let it firm up. This is the hardest part—waiting! But trust me, the wait is worth it for that creamy, dreamy scoop of roasted strawberries lime basil ice cream. Enjoy your masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a unique twist on traditional ice cream with the delightful combination of roasted strawberries, lime, and basil.
- Quick preparation makes it a fun project for a hot day or a last-minute dessert.
- Using fresh ingredients ensures vibrant flavors that will wow your taste buds!
- The roasting process intensifies the strawberry flavor, creating a luscious base.
- It’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings or casual afternoons.
- You can easily customize the sweetness based on your strawberry’s ripeness—yum!
- It’s a vegetarian-friendly dessert that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
To make sure your roasted strawberries lime basil ice cream turns out creamy and bursting with flavor, here are some of my top tips:
- Use ripe strawberries: The sweeter and riper the strawberries, the better your ice cream will taste! Check for vibrant red color and a sweet aroma.
- Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting really brings out the natural sugars in the strawberries, making them extra delicious. It’s well worth the extra step!
- Chill your mixture thoroughly: Be sure to chill the cream and milk mixture for the full 2 hours. This helps it churn more effectively, giving you that creamy texture we all love.
- Follow the churn time: Keep an eye on your ice cream maker! Over-churning can lead to icy textures, while under-churning might result in a mushy consistency. Aim for a thick, soft-serve texture before transferring to the freezer.
- Let it freeze properly: After churning, give your ice cream at least 4 hours to freeze. I know it’s hard to wait, but this step ensures you get those perfect scoops later on!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to adjust the lime and basil to suit your taste. If you love a stronger basil flavor, add a bit more—get creative!
With these little tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for a delightful ice cream-making experience. Enjoy the process and the yummy rewards!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to the nutritional information for this roasted strawberries lime basil ice cream, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The estimates provided here are based on a typical recipe and serve as a general guide:
- Calories: 250 per serving (1/2 cup)
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Always feel free to adjust the recipe to meet your dietary needs, and enjoy your delicious homemade ice cream with peace of mind!
FAQ About Roasted Strawberries Lime Basil Ice Cream
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly before roasting to avoid excess moisture!
How do I know when the strawberries are done roasting?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft and their juices are bubbling up. They should look slightly caramelized and smell absolutely divine!
What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
No worries! You can still make this ice cream. Just pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to break up any ice crystals until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk for a delicious dairy-free version. Just keep in mind the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be yummy!
How long does the ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 2-3 weeks for optimal texture and flavor. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
What can I serve with this ice cream?
This ice cream is fabulous on its own, but you can also pair it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and flavor!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the ice cream?
Definitely! Feel free to taste the strawberry mixture before combining it with the cream and adjust the sugar according to your preference. Just remember, the sweetness of your strawberries will also play a big role.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your roasted strawberries lime basil ice cream is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents it from picking up any funky freezer odors. I always like to press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container—this little trick helps avoid ice crystals forming on top. You can store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks, but trust me, it’ll probably be gone way before then!
As for reheating, there’s really no need to reheat ice cream—it’s best served straight from the freezer! However, if you find it’s a bit too hard to scoop after being in the freezer, just let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will soften it enough for easy scooping, making that first bite just as dreamy as when you made it. Enjoy every creamy, delicious spoonful!
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