Mascarpone ice cream

Mascarpone Ice Cream - The Perfect Indulgence for Warm Days

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Freezing Time: 15 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Welcome to the world of refreshing delights! If you are looking for a quick and elegant dessert, mascarpone ice cream is the perfect choice. This recipe offers a smooth, creamy ice cream that combines the sweetness of sugar with the subtle flavor of vanilla and the richness of mascarpone. It is ideal for a warm day or as a sweet surprise for guests.

Basic Ingredients:

- 250 g mascarpone
- 500 ml milk
- 200 g sugar
- 80 ml liquid cream
- 2 vanilla pods
- Caramel for decoration

Ingredient Details:

- Mascarpone: This fresh Italian cheese is rich in fat, giving the ice cream a creamy texture and decadent taste. Make sure to use high-quality mascarpone for the best results.
- Milk: Whole milk is preferred for a richer consistency. You can experiment with almond or coconut milk for a vegan option.
- Sugar: White sugar is standard, but you can replace some of it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Vanilla: Use natural vanilla – either in pod form or extract – to add an authentic taste.
- Liquid cream: It is essential for adding volume and a fluffy texture to your ice cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the ice cream base. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk with the sugar and place the mixture over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. It is important not to bring the mixture to a boil, just to warm it up.

2. Once the sugar has melted, add the two vanilla pods, split lengthwise, to release the flavors. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Remove the vanilla pods before continuing.

3. In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone and liquid cream. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy and smooth. This step is crucial for achieving an airy and creamy texture.

4. Add the cooled milk mixture to the mascarpone and cream. Mix everything with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed until you achieve a uniform composition. Be patient, this step will ensure a fine ice cream.

5. Transfer the mixture to the ice cream maker and let it churn for 15 minutes. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can place the mixture in a container and stir every 30 minutes for a few hours until it freezes evenly.

6. When the ice cream is ready, you can transfer it to cups or a freezing container. Let it sit in the freezer for another hour to firm up even more.

Serving and Decoration:

Serve the mascarpone ice cream in a way that impresses! You can decorate each cup with a drizzle of caramel, fresh whipped cream, and some fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a delicious contrast of colors and flavors. A drizzle of melted chocolate is always a nice touch, adding extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This mascarpone ice cream pairs perfectly with a slice of chocolate cake or crunchy cookies. Add a refreshing touch with a glass of lemonade or a fruit cocktail!

Vegan Option:

If you want a vegan option, you can replace the mascarpone with a blend of soaked cashews and coconut milk, and the liquid cream with coconut cream.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

A serving of mascarpone ice cream contains about 250 calories, but also brings nutritional benefits such as calcium and vitamins A and D from the dairy ingredients. Consume in moderation and enjoy this delicacy as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use another type of cheese? While mascarpone is ideal, you can try ricotta, but the texture will be different.
- How can I freeze the ice cream without an ice cream maker? Stir every 30 minutes to prevent crystallization and achieve a fine texture.
- Can the ice cream be frozen for longer? Yes, but to maintain a good texture, consume the ice cream within 2-3 weeks.

Mascarpone ice cream is more than just a dessert; it is an experience, a moment of indulgence that brings joy. So, don’t wait any longer! Prepare your ingredients and enjoy this creamy and refreshing delight!