Vanilla ice cream with tropical fruits

Vanilla ice cream with tropical fruits - a delicious and refined recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Freezing time: a few hours
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn’t love a creamy ice cream full of flavors? Vanilla ice cream with tropical fruits is a perfect dessert for hot summer days or any occasion when you want to treat yourself. This recipe combines the delicacy of vanilla with the sweetness of tropical fruits, giving you an explosion of flavor in every spoonful. Whether you serve it on its own or as part of a more complex dessert, it will surely win you over!

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- 500 ml milk
- 400 ml heavy cream (ideal for creamy ice cream)
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 vanilla pod
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 package of ladyfingers
- 1 can of tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, kiwi)
- Mulberries (optional, for extra flavor)
- Raspberries (for decoration and taste)

A touch of history:
Ice cream has its origins in antiquity, but modern ice cream recipes began to take shape in Europe in the 17th century. Over the years, it has evolved and diversified, becoming a beloved dessert worldwide. Combining vanilla with tropical fruits is a popular choice due to the balance between sweet and tangy flavors. Each spoonful of ice cream reminds us of the pleasant moments spent with loved ones.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ice cream base:
Start by splitting the vanilla pod lengthwise, extracting the aromatic seeds. Place the seeds and pod in a pot with 500 ml of milk and bring to medium heat. When the milk starts to boil, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it infuse for 30 minutes. This step is essential for obtaining an intense vanilla flavor.

2. Mixing the yolks:
In a bowl, whisk the 4 egg yolks with 100 g of sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and pale. Add the cornstarch and a few tablespoons of milk from the pot, mixing quickly to avoid lumps.

3. Preparing the cream:
Remove the vanilla pod from the milk and place the pot back on the heat. Add the yolk mixture and continuously stir with a spatula or whisk until the cream slightly thickens and resembles liquid cream. It is important to stir constantly to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once thickened, cover the cream with plastic wrap and let it cool completely.

4. Whipping the cream:
In another bowl, whip the 400 ml of heavy cream together with 100 g of powdered sugar until it thickens slightly. This cream will add an airy texture to your ice cream.

5. Combining the ingredients:
When the cream has cooled, fold in the whipped cream and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Gently mix with up-and-down motions to maintain the air in the cream. This step will contribute to a fluffier ice cream.

6. Freezing:
Transfer the ice cream mixture to a container and place it in the freezer for 1 hour. After an hour, take the ice cream out of the freezer and mix it again to break up the ice crystals. Add the canned tropical fruits, cut into pieces, and gently mix to distribute them evenly.

7. Preparing the ladyfingers:
Meanwhile, prepare a package of ladyfingers. You can soak them with the juice left from the tropical fruits for extra flavor.

8. Assembling the ice cream:
Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and pour in the ice cream. Place the soaked ladyfingers on top, pressing gently to integrate them. Place the pan in the freezer for a few hours, preferably overnight, for a perfect texture.

9. Serving:
When you are ready to serve, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly. You can decorate each serving with fresh raspberries and mulberries for a vibrant look.

Useful tips:
- Use cream with a high fat content (at least 30%) to achieve creamy ice cream.
- If you don’t have tropical fruits on hand, you can use berries or bananas, depending on your preferences.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a splash of vanilla liqueur or rum to the ice cream mixture.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plant-based milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, you can use almond, coconut, or soy milk, but the taste will vary.
- How can I make the ice cream less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe is a simple solution. You can adjust to taste.
- Can the ice cream be stored longer in the freezer?
Yes, the ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months, but make sure it is well covered to avoid ice crystal formation.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This ice cream has approximately 250 calories per serving, but its benefits are even more varied, thanks to the fresh fruit content, which provides essential vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, vanilla has antioxidant properties, and cream contains healthy fats necessary for a balanced diet.

Pair this vanilla ice cream with a glass of fresh lemonade or a fruit cocktail for an unforgettable experience. Whether you enjoy it in the garden with friends or serve it as a dessert at a special dinner, vanilla ice cream with tropical fruits will surely be a hit. Treat yourself to a dessert that brings sunshine to your table!