Layered ice cream with vanilla and fruits

Layered ice cream with vanilla and fruits: a perfect delicacy for warm days

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't love a delicious ice cream on hot summer days? This layered ice cream recipe with vanilla and fruits is not only a refreshing dessert but also a true delight for the taste buds. The combination of sweet fruits and vanilla cream will bring a smile to your face, and the beautifully colored layers will make this dessert a centerpiece on your table.

A short story about ice cream

Ice cream is a dessert that has captured the hearts of people around the world over time. It is said that the first forms of ice cream appeared thousands of years ago, when people mixed snow with honey, fruits, or sour milk. Over the centuries, recipes have become more sophisticated, but the essence has remained the same: a refreshing and delicious dessert. Today, ice cream is available in an incredible variety of flavors and combinations, and we offer you a recipe that blends tradition with a touch of innovation.

Ingredients

*Layer 1 - Caramelized fruits:*

- 100 g strawberries (you can also use fresh strawberries)
- 100 g sour cherries (if you don't have fresh sour cherries, frozen ones are perfect)
- 100 g red currants (these add a note of acidity)
- 50 g sugar
- 50 ml water

*Layer 2 - Vanilla cream:*

- 3 egg yolks
- 150 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 300 ml milk (preferably whole for a richer taste)
- 450 ml heavy cream (30% fat is ideal)
- Vanilla (you can use vanilla essence or a vanilla pod for extra flavor)

Preparing the layered ice cream

*Step 1: Preparing the fruits*

1. In a small saucepan, add the strawberries, sour cherries, red currants, sugar, and water.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture boil, stirring gently to avoid sticking.
3. Let it boil until the syrup thickens slightly, but the fruits remain whole. This process will take about 5-10 minutes.
4. Once the syrup is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool.

*Step 2: Preparing the molds*

1. Prepare individual molds for ice cream. You can use savarin molds, silicone molds, or even plastic cups.
2. In each mold, add a layer of caramelized fruits, dividing the mixture evenly.
3. Place the molds in the freezer for about 30 minutes, until the fruits are slightly frozen.

*Step 3: Preparing the vanilla cream*

1. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy.
2. Add the flour and mix well to obtain a homogeneous paste.
3. Heat the milk in a saucepan, but do not let it boil. Once warm, gradually pour it over the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, paying attention to the bottom of the saucepan.
5. When the cream has thickened (about 10-15 minutes), remove it from the heat and transfer it to a glass bowl. Add the vanilla and let it cool to room temperature.

*Step 4: Combining the layers*

1. After the vanilla cream has cooled, whip the heavy cream on low speed until creamy, but do not whip it into a foam.
2. Gently fold the cream into the egg mixture with upward strokes to preserve the air in the mixture.
3. Remove the molds from the freezer and fill them with the vanilla cream, covering the caramelized fruits.
4. Place the molds back in the freezer for about 3 hours, or until the ice cream is completely solidified.

*Step 5: Serving the ice cream*

1. When you're ready to serve the ice cream, remove the molds from the freezer.
2. Dip the bases of the molds in hot water for 2-3 seconds to make them easier to release.
3. Gently pull on the edges of the mold and invert the ice cream onto a plate.
4. You can serve the ice cream plain or alongside fresh fruits, a chocolate sauce, or even some mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips

- If you don't have fresh fruits, frozen fruits are just as good. Make sure to let them thaw slightly before using them in the recipe.
- You can experiment with other types of fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to give your ice cream a different flavor.
- If you want to customize your ice cream, you can add a splash of rum or orange liqueur to the vanilla cream for a special note.

Nutritional benefits

Layered ice cream with vanilla and fruits is a healthier choice than many other desserts, thanks to the fruit content. Strawberries and currants are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while the cream provides a source of calcium. Of course, it's best to consume this dessert in moderation, but you can allow yourself a few spoonfuls of this delicacy.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can replace the milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk for a vegan option.
2. How can I make the ice cream sweeter? Adjust the amount of sugar in the vanilla cream or add a fruit sauce on top when serving.
3. How long does the ice cream last? In the freezer, the ice cream keeps well for about 1 month. Make sure it is well covered.

Layered ice cream with vanilla and fruits is not just a refreshing dessert, but also a flavorful and colorful experience. Surprise your family and friends with this simple yet sophisticated recipe, and enjoy every spoonful!