Wattleseed Ice Cream
A unique and sophisticated ice cream featuring the distinctive nutty, coffee, and chocolate notes of roasted Australian wattleseed. This recipe creates a rich, custard-based ice cream that is both comforting and adventurous.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500ml Heavy cream(At least 35% fat content for richness.)
- 250ml Whole milk(Whole milk provides a good balance of fat and liquid.)
- 6 large Egg yolks(Room temperature yolks emulsify better.)
- 150g Granulated sugar(Adjust to taste, but this is a good starting point.)
- 2 tablespoons Ground roasted wattleseed(Ensure it's finely ground for best flavor infusion. Available at specialty food stores or online.)
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract(Or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and ground wattleseed. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is steaming and just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 20 minutes to infuse the wattleseed flavor.
⏱️ 25 minutes (5 min heating + 20 min steeping) - 2
While the cream mixture is steeping, in a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar. Continue whisking vigorously until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and forms ribbons when the whisk is lifted. This process is crucial for a smooth custard base.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Reheat the steeped cream mixture over low heat until it is warm but not boiling. Slowly ladle about half of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk and sugar mixture, whisking constantly. This is called tempering and prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once combined, pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Cook the custard base over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. Aim for a temperature of 82°C (180°F). Do not let it boil, as this will curdle the eggs. If you don't have a thermometer, test by drawing a line through the custard on the back of your spoon; if the line holds, it's ready.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Immediately strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits or undissolved wattleseed. Stir in the vanilla extract. Cover the surface of the custard directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until very cold.
⏱️ 4+ hours (minimum) - 6
Once the custard base is completely chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
⏱️ 2-4 hours (freezing)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Wattleseed has a unique flavor profile reminiscent of coffee, hazelnut, and dark chocolate. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- ✓Wattleseed is a traditional Australian native ingredient. Using it adds a distinctive local flair to your dessert.
- ✓Straining the custard is essential for achieving a silky-smooth ice cream texture, removing any potential lumps or grit.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For added texture and richness, swirl in chopped macadamia praline during the last few minutes of churning or before freezing.
- Drizzle with a tablespoon or two of bush honey into the base before chilling for a subtle floral sweetness.