Surprise your taste buds with this easy strawberry ice cream swirled with a tart balsamic vinegar.
Do not be afraid of this odd-sounding ice cream flavor. It may sound a bit unusual, but trust us, one bite of this rich and velvety Strawberry Balsamic Ice Cream will change your perception of traditional ice cream flavors forever.
In Italy, balsamic vinegar and fresh berries are a classic combination. I think it is because the blend of tangy and sweet work well together as you process the flavors in your mouth. I had never dreamed of using it in ice cream until I tasted it at an industry food show. I was so blown away by this idea, that I raced home and started experimenting right away. Our house is “ice cream central” this summer, since the recent purchase of our first ice cream maker. I feel like a mad scientist, and everyone is happy to “pitch in” and taste-test my concoctions. 
Originally I wanted to add a third component to this treat, such as mint or rosemary, as the ice cream I had tasted was a bit too subtle to put the Superman Cooks name on it. However, my partner in crime reminded me that I should not mess with the simplicity of a great thing. She was right once again. Instead, I decided to use a stronger flavor profile of the balsamic, which yielded a fantastic result. Our Strawberry Balsamic Ice Cream has a nice sweetness and a rich and creamy texture.
As with all of our recipes, use your own judgment when serving. But I think this ice cream can easily handle a little extra drizzle of balsamic glaze, just like a bowl of vanilla ice cream deserves a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This weird-sounding dessert makes for a surprisingly delicious (and addictive) summer treat.
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Balsamic Strawberry Ice Cream
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Sweet strawberries meet tangy balsamic vinegar in this dreamy ice cream. A simple dessert with a sophisticated twist.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) fresh strawberries
- 3/4 cups (177 ml) whole milk
- ⅔ cups (160 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cups (118 ml) balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Wash and de-stem the berries. Place in a food processor and pulse 4-5 times until roughly chopped. Set aside.
- Using a hand mixer, combine milk, sugar, and salt until combined and the sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla, the berries, and their juice.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- Place the mixture into an ice cream maker and mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions until soft-serve consistency.
- Fold the balsamic glaze into the ice cream using a spatula to create a swirl.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2 hours (or longer) before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense balsamic flavor, reduce the balsamic glaze by simmering it on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes before adding it to the ice cream.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow container, stirring every hour for the first three hours to prevent large ice crystals from forming.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute full-fat coconut milk for the whole milk and heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 50
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of balsamic vinegar should I use for the ice cream?
It’s best to use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor, as it will enhance the sweet and tangy profile of the ice cream.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?
Yes, an ice cream maker is recommended for achieving the creamy texture of the Strawberry Balsamic Ice Cream, but you can also try a no-churn method by mixing and freezing the ingredients manually.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to this ice cream?
While the recipe emphasizes the simplicity of strawberry and balsamic, feel free to experiment with small amounts of complementary ingredients, but avoid overpowering the main flavors.
Annelise, thank you for the reply. Have found a recipe for the balsamic glaze with honey and really
looking forward to making this tomorrow.
Yes, please how much salt? And what is your recipe for the balsamic glaze? Recipe sounds great and would like to try and will not make it unless I know exactly what you used. Thanks
It is 1 teaspoon of salt. You can purchase balsamic glaze in a bottle at your local grocery store or simply mix some balsamic vinegar with honey or brown sugar in a sauce pan and reduce by half. Happy ice cream making!
How much salt? No salt mentioned in the ingredients? Thanks!