There’s nothing quite like the sound of fresh strawberries roasting in the oven, their natural sweetness intensifying and mingling with a hint of balsamic magic. As the warm aroma fills my kitchen, I can’t help but feel the anticipation building for a truly special treat: Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a celebration of summer flavors, combining the rich creaminess of homemade ice cream with the vibrant notes of sweet lime basil.
Perfect for those hot days when you crave something refreshing, this ice cream is surprisingly simple to make yet impressively elegant. Each scoop delivers a smooth texture and delightful complexity, balancing the bright acidity of lime and the herbaceous sweetness of basil with luscious roasted strawberries. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging after a long day, this ice cream promises to be a crowd-pleaser that redefines your ice cream experience. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delicious journey!
Why is Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream a Must-Try?
Indulgent Flavor: The harmony of roasted strawberries and sweet lime basil creates a uniquely refreshing taste that’s perfect for summer.
Creamy Texture: Each scoop boasts a velvety consistency that rivals gourmet ice creams, elevating your dessert game.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time, making it a hassle-free indulgence.
Versatile Enjoyment: Pair with fresh berries or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant presentation that wows at gatherings.
Seasonal Celebration: This recipe highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients, inviting you to savor the best of summer’s bounty.
Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base
- Heavy Cream – Provides richness and a creamy texture for a luxurious ice cream experience.
- Whole Milk – Contributes to a smooth, rich flavor that lightens the heavy cream.
- Sugar – Sweetens the base, enhancing the overall flavor and balancing acidity.
- Vanilla Beans – Infuses the mixture with aromatic sweetness, elevating the ice cream’s depth of flavor.
- Corn Starch – Helps stabilize and thicken the mixture while churning, ensuring the perfect consistency.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the strawberries.
For the Roasted Strawberries
- Strawberries – The star of the show! Use only ripe, dark red strawberries for maximum sweetness.
- Vanilla Paste – Adds richness and intensifies the vanilla flavor for a well-rounded base.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Enhances the roasted strawberry flavor, adding a subtle complexity.
For the Lime Basil Emulsion
- Basil Leaves – Infuses a sweet, aromatic note that beautifully complements the roasted strawberries.
- Limes – Provides a refreshing acidity that balances the sweetness of the ice cream.
- Demerara Sugar – Adds a hint of caramel flavor, perfectly pairing with the lime basil emulsion.
- Olive Oil – Used in the basil emulsion to create a silky texture that enriches the overall flavor profile.
With this delightful combination, you’re just a few steps away from making the most refreshing Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream that will impress all your friends and family!
How to Make Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200ºC (392ºF). This perfect temperature ensures that your strawberries will roast beautifully, intensifying their sweet flavor.
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Mix Ingredients: In a baking tray, toss cleaned strawberries with sugar, vanilla paste, and balsamic vinegar. This delightful mix will create a jam-like consistency once roasted.
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Roast Strawberries: Place the baking tray in the oven and roast the strawberries for about 1 hour. They should become soft and jam-like, with a rich, inviting aroma. Allow them to cool afterward.
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Prepare Base: Whisk a small amount of whole milk with corn starch until smooth. In a pot, combine the remaining milk, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla beans. Heat until simmering, then add the corn starch mixture, stirring constantly for just 1 minute to thicken. Let the mixture cool before straining.
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Make Lime Basil Emulsion: In a mortar and pestle, blend chopped basil leaves with demearara sugar and lime juice until creamy. Stir in the remaining lime juice and olive oil until well combined for a flavorful emulsion.
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Churn Ice Cream: Once the base has cooled completely, churn it in your ice cream maker according to its instructions, producing a creamy, velvety mixture.
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Layer Ingredients: In an ice cream container, alternate layers of the vanilla base, lime basil emulsion, and roasted strawberries. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together. Freeze thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Optional: Serve topped with fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: Use only dark red, ripe strawberries to ensure your ice cream is bursting with natural sweetness and flavor.
- Cool the Base: Let the vanilla base cool completely before churning. This enhances the overall flavor and ensures a creamy texture.
- Avoid Over-Churning: Monitor the ice cream as it churns, stopping once it reaches a smooth consistency. Over-churning can lead to a grainy texture.
- Layer Wisely: When layering the ingredients, alternate between the vanilla base, lime basil emulsion, and roasted strawberries for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Serve with Flair: For an additional touch of sophistication, drizzle the finished ice cream with a balsamic reduction and garnish with fresh strawberries.
What to Serve with Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream?
The delightful combination of creamy and fruity flavors deserves the perfect accompaniments to make your summer dessert experience even more special.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries adds a burst of freshness, complementing the roasted strawberries beautifully.
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Balsamic Reduction: A drizzle of this tangy-sweet reduction enhances the flavors, tying the ice cream and berries together for a gourmet touch. It highlights the bold taste of the strawberries.
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Shortbread Cookies: The buttery crispness of shortbread provides a lovely contrast to the creamy ice cream, making each bite a delightful pairing of textures.
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Mint-Infused Sparkling Water: This refreshing drink balances the sweetness of the ice cream while adding a fizzy lift, perfect for hot summer days.
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Lemon Sorbet: A tart, icy sorbet adds a refreshing zing that complements the sweet creaminess, creating a vibrant dish you won’t forget.
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Chocolate Ganache: A rich chocolate drizzle brings an indulgent flavor to the party, introducing an elegant sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the fruitiness.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, homemade whipped cream adds a luscious finish, making your ice cream even more indulgent and velvety.
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Almond Biscotti: The nutty and crunchy texture of biscotti offers a satisfying contrast, creating an enjoyable experience as you dip pieces into the creamy ice cream.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful, seasonal fruit salad brings in additional textures and flavors, enhancing the freshness of the ice cream with every scoop.
Each of these suggestions amplifies the enjoyment of your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream, ensuring a delightful flavor journey with every serving!
Make Ahead Options
These Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can roast the strawberries up to 3 days in advance; simply allow them to cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and texture. Additionally, you can prepare the vanilla base and lime basil emulsion ahead of time, storing both in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply churn the ice cream mixture according to your machine’s instructions, then layer in the roasted strawberries and lime basil emulsion. This way, you’ll have a delightful summer treat with minimal effort on the day of serving!
Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream Variations
Let your creativity soar as you personalize this delightful ice cream treat with these fun variations!
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Berry Bonanza: Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist that brings a burst of flavor.
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Herbal Harmony: Experiment with mint instead of basil for a refreshing twist, perfect for summer days.
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Lime Zing: Increase the lime juice for an extra punch of acidity, making each scoop even more invigorating.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in toasted nuts like pistachios or almonds after churning for added texture and richness.
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Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your lime basil emulsion for a zesty kick that surprises the palate.
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Creamy Coconut: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option that adds a tropical flair to the recipe.
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Chocolate Delight: Swirl in a homemade chocolate fudge or chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate-strawberry combo.
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Citrus Burst: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or orange zest in the base to broaden the flavor profile deliciously.
With these variations, every scoop of your ice cream can bring a new surprise — have fun mixing and matching to find your perfect flavor!
How to Store and Freeze Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream
Fridge: Store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh, but the texture may soften slightly.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the ice cream in the freezer. It can last up to 2 weeks if sealed tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheating: If the ice cream hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping to return it to a creamy consistency.
Roasted Strawberries: If you have leftover roasted strawberries, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for later use in desserts or smoothies.
Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use for the best results?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream, choose ripe, dark red strawberries. Look for berries that are firm and sweet without any dark spots or blemishes, as they will enhance the sweetness and flavor of your ice cream.
How should I store the ice cream, and how long will it last?
You can store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can also freeze it for longer storage, and it will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to seal it tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Can I freeze the roasted strawberries for later use?
Yes! If you have leftover roasted strawberries, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. To freeze, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before using in desserts or smoothies.
What should I do if the ice cream becomes too hard to scoop?
If you find that your ice cream has hardened too much in the freezer, don’t worry! Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping. This will allow it to soften slightly, returning it to a creamy consistency that makes it easy to serve.
Can I use different herbs instead of basil in the emulsion?
Very! While lime basil is delightful, you can absolutely experiment with other fresh herbs. Mint or lemon balm would provide a refreshing twist that complements the strawberries beautifully. Just chop the herbs finely and follow the same instructions for making the emulsion with lime juice and Demerara sugar.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Be sure to check for allergies, especially for guests with lactose intolerance, as this ice cream contains heavy cream and whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut cream and almond milk, adjusting the sugar levels as needed to account for sweetness.
Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream for Summer Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200ºC (392ºF) for roasting the strawberries.
- Mix Ingredients: Toss cleaned strawberries with sugar, vanilla paste, and balsamic vinegar in a baking tray.
- Roast Strawberries: Place the tray in the oven and roast for about 1 hour until soft and jam-like.
- Prepare Base: Whisk a small amount of whole milk with corn starch until smooth. Heat remaining milk with cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla beans until simmering, then add corn starch mixture and stir to thicken.
- Make Lime Basil Emulsion: Blend chopped basil with demerara sugar and lime juice, then mix in olive oil.
- Churn Ice Cream: Once cool, churn the base in an ice cream maker.
- Layer Ingredients: In an ice cream container, alternate layers of vanilla base, lime basil emulsion, and roasted strawberries, swirling gently.