Plum Ice Cream Recipe: The Perfect Summer Treat

Summer is the season for indulging in cool, creamy desserts that refresh and satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re looking for a unique ice cream that combines the tartness of plums with the smooth, sweet flavor of cream, you’re in for a treat! This Plum Ice Cream recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy richness, a hint of sourness, and a vibrant color that will make your taste buds sing. Best of all, it’s a no-churn recipe made with just three simple ingredients: plums, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. No ice cream maker needed!

With its intense fruit flavor and creamy texture, this ice cream is an absolute crowd-pleaser—even for picky eaters! Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, enjoying it after a family dinner, or simply satisfying your own cravings, this homemade plum ice cream will surely become a favorite.

The Secret to This Plum Ice Cream Recipe!

The key to making this plum ice cream stand out is using fresh, ripe plums. For the best flavor, opt for sweet and juicy plums that are in season. These plums bring the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, which is essential for this recipe.

If you want to enhance the flavor, you can roast the plums before blending them. Roasting the plums brings out their natural sugars and imparts a slightly caramelized flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy base. Additionally, roasting deepens the color of the plums, resulting in a darker and more vibrant ice cream.

There are many varieties of plums you can use for this recipe, each bringing a unique characteristic:

• Japanese plums: Sweet and juicy with a smooth texture.
• Black plums: A deep purple hue with a rich, sweet flavor.
• Red plums: Tart and tangy, with a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Italian plums: Rich and sweet, perfect for making ice cream.
• Indian plums: A slightly tangy option that adds complexity.
• European plums: Rich in flavor and perfect for desserts.

The flesh color of the plum plays a role in the sweetness and the final color of the ice cream. For instance, red plums tend to give a more vibrant hue, while yellow-fleshed plums may create a lighter, creamier ice cream.

Ingredients for Plum Ice Cream:

To make this creamy plum ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Plums (fully ripened, deseeded)
• Heavy cream (full-fat, chilled)
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Lemon juice (optional, to taste)

How to Make Plum Ice Cream?

Making plum ice cream from scratch is simple and requires just a few steps. Let’s dive into the process:

1. Wash and Prepare the Plums: Start by washing the plums thoroughly. Once clean, deseed the plums and chop them into chunks. You don’t need to remove the skin, as it will blend well with the fruit.
2. Blend the Plums: Using a food processor or blender, puree the plums until smooth. The skin should blend in nicely, adding to the texture of the ice cream.
3. Simmer the Plum Puree: Pour the plum puree into a saucepan and simmer over low heat. This step will help the color intensify and the puree thicken slightly. Stir occasionally, and let it simmer until you notice the color change and a slight reduction in the mixture.
4. Cool the Puree: After simmering, remove the plum puree from the heat and let it cool completely. You can even place it in the fridge for quicker cooling.
5. Whip the Heavy Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will give the ice cream its signature creamy texture.
6. Combine the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the cooled plum puree with the sweetened condensed milk. If you’re using lemon juice, add it to the mixture for a slightly tangy twist. Stir everything until fully combined.
7. Add Color (Optional): For a deeper plum color, you can add 1-2 drops of red food coloring. This step is entirely optional, but it can make the ice cream look even more inviting.
8. Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the plum mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much to maintain that light, airy texture.
9. Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the mixture into a container and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the ice cream with butter paper or cling wrap (make sure it touches the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming). Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until it reaches a firm consistency.

Tips for the Perfect Plum Ice Cream:

• Easier Scooping: Take the ice cream out of the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to make scooping easier.
• Storage: Store your homemade plum ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. For extra freshness, place plastic wrap on top of the ice cream before sealing the container.
• Shelf Life: The ice cream should last for 2-3 months in the freezer if stored properly.

Plum Ice Cream Variations:

If you’re feeling creative or want to add a twist to your ice cream, here are some variations you can try:

• Swirl Ice Cream: Add a vanilla essence to the cream and condensed milk mixture. Layer the ice cream base and plum syrup in the container, then use a stick to create beautiful swirls before freezing.
• Chunky Ice Cream: For a different texture, skip blending the plums. Simply cook them, break them up with a spatula, and mix them with the cream mixture. The skin will give a fruit leather texture, adding a chewy element to the ice cream.
• Add-ins: Add biscuit chunks or white chocolate chips for extra texture and sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I make Plum Ice Cream without condensed milk?

Yes! If you prefer to skip the condensed milk, you can use sugar while cooking the plums. Adjust the sugar amount based on your sweetness preference.

Can I use plum jam instead of fresh plums for Plum Ice Cream?

Absolutely! If you have plum jam, you can use it in place of fresh plums. Skip the condensed milk and use evaporated milk for a lighter texture.

 Can I use frozen plums for Plum Ice Cream?

Yes! If you can’t find fresh plums, frozen plums will work as well. Just ensure they’re thawed completely before using them in the recipe.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the plum ice cream?

The sweetness of the ice cream depends on the ripeness of the plums. If your plums are on the tart side, you can add a little more sweetened condensed milk or sugar to balance the flavor. Taste the plum mixture before mixing it with the whipped cream, and adjust accordingly.

 Is there a dairy-free version of Plum Ice Cream?

Yes! To make this ice cream dairy-free, you can substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free condensed milk (available in most stores). The flavor may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Can I make this Plum Ice Cream recipe without whipping the cream?

Whipping the cream is key to achieving the creamy, smooth texture of the ice cream. If you skip this step, the ice cream will be denser and less airy, but it will still be tasty. For a smoother result, you might want to try using a stand mixer or hand mixer to ensure the cream is well-whipped.

How can I make this plum ice cream more flavorful?

If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding vanilla bean paste, a hint of cinnamon, or a splash of almond extract to the plum mixture. You can also mix in chopped fresh herbs like mint for a refreshing twist.

What should I do if I don’t have a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender to puree the plums or even mash them with a fork or potato masher. Just make sure to blend the mixture as smooth as possible for the best results.

Can I use other fruits for this ice cream recipe?

Absolutely! While plums are the star of this recipe, you can substitute them with other fruits like peaches, apricots, or even cherries. Just be aware that different fruits might require slight adjustments to the sweetness or texture of the base.

How can I prevent ice crystals from forming in my ice cream?

To prevent ice crystals, make sure the ice cream mixture is well-mixed and covered tightly with plastic wrap or butter paper before freezing. You can also stir the ice cream every 2 hours for the first few hours of freezing to ensure a creamy consistency.

Plum Ice Cream Recipe (Quick Reference):

Ingredients:

• 6 ripe plums (deseeded and chopped)
• 2 cups heavy cream (chilled)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• Red food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Simmer plums, then cool.
2. Whip cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Mix plum puree with condensed milk and lemon juice.
4. Fold in whipped cream and optional food coloring.
5. Freeze for 4+ hours.

Notes:

• Adjust lemon juice and condensed milk depending on the sweetness of your plums.
• For best results, store the ice cream in an airtight container with plastic wrap on top.

Serving Suggestions:

Before serving, let the ice cream sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly. This will make scooping easier. You can serve it with a sprinkling of biscuit chunks or white chocolate chips for an added crunch!

Related Recipes

If you love homemade desserts, here are a few of our other favorite sweet treats you can try:

• banana brownie recipe
• cinnamon rolls with heavy cream
• Tate’s Bake Shop cookies

This Plum Ice Cream is a must-try summer dessert that’s as delicious as it is simple to make. Whether you make it with fresh plums or add your own twist with variations, it’s a treat everyone will love. The no-churn method makes it easy to whip up without special equipment, and the result is a creamy, fruity indulgence. So, grab those fresh plums, follow the steps, and enjoy the most refreshing homemade ice cream you’ll ever taste!