Ricotta and Honey Ice Cream is a luxurious frozen dessert that blends fresh ricotta cheese with honey to create a creamy, mildly tangy, and naturally sweet treat. The smooth texture and rich flavour make it a perfect choice for those who enjoy elegant, simple desserts with a touch of indulgence.
Ricotta and Honey Ice Cream is a rich, smooth, and naturally sweet frozen dessert inspired by the simple yet elegant flavours of Italian cuisine. Combining the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the floral sweetness of honey, this homemade ice cream is a deliciously light and refreshing treat. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Ricotta and Honey Ice Cream (Italy) at home, using traditional ingredients for an authentic Italian dessert.
Ingredients Needed
To make homemade Ricotta and Honey Ice Cream, you’ll need:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup high-quality honey
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios or almonds (for topping, optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for extra brightness)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ricotta and Honey Ice Cream
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
2. Temper the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add the warm milk mixture while whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens into a custard-like consistency.
3. Incorporate the Ricotta and Flavorings
Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, sea salt, and lemon zest (if using). Blend the mixture until smooth and allow it to cool completely.
4. Freeze the Ice Cream
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a container, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once frozen, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones. Garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds for added texture and flavour.
Tips for Best Results
- Use high-quality honey: The flavour of the honey is key, so choose a floral or citrusy variety for the best taste.
- Blend the ricotta well: This ensures a smooth texture without any graininess.
- Enhance with citrus or nuts: Lemon zest or toasted almonds can add a layer of complexity.
Now that you know how to make Ricotta and Honey Ice Cream (Italy) at home, why not treat yourself to this delicious, naturally sweet Italian dessert? Enjoy the creamy and delicate flavours in every spoonful!
