Homemade Irish Cream Ice Cream

Name: Homemade Irish Cream Ice Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 260 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 5 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup original Irish cream liqueur; 1 tsp vanilla extract

260 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Luxuriously creamy ice cream infused with original Irish cream flavour, perfect for an indulgent treat.

Prep

20 min

Total

260 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

If you're a fan of the rich, velvety taste of Irish cream, then this ice cream is for you. Combining the indulgent flavours of original Irish cream with the creamy texture of homemade ice cream, this dessert is both luxurious and comforting. This Irish cream ice cream is perfect for those who appreciate the smooth, slightly boozy taste of classic Irish liqueur. It's an ideal treat for special occasions or simply when you want a unique twist on traditional ice cream.

Instructions

Heat the dairy

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to steam, but do not let it boil.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom.

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.

Pro tip: This helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Temper the egg yolks

Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Then, pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan.

Pro tip: Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling.

Cook the custard

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not boil.

Pro tip: The custard is ready when it reaches 77°C (170°F).

Strain and chill

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Stir in the Irish cream liqueur and vanilla extract. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Pro tip: Chilling the mixture ensures it churns evenly in the ice cream maker.

Churn the ice cream

Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Pro tip: For best results, ensure your ice cream maker bowl is fully frozen.

Freeze until firm

Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

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Tips & Tricks

Ensure your ice cream maker is fully frozen before starting.
Use high-quality Irish cream for the best flavour.
Chill the mixture thoroughly before churning for optimal texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Irish cream ice cream last?

Irish cream ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Can I make Irish cream ice cream without an ice cream maker?

While it's recommended to use an ice cream maker for the best texture, you can freeze the mixture and stir every 30 minutes until frozen.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in ice cream?

This recipe cooks the eggs to a safe temperature, eliminating the risk associated with raw eggs.

How do I prevent ice crystals in homemade ice cream?

Ensure the mixture is thoroughly chilled before churning and use an airtight container for storage to reduce ice crystal formation.

What is the alcohol content in Irish cream ice cream?

The alcohol content is minimal, as only 1/2 cup of liqueur is used, which is distributed across multiple servings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Irish cream ice cream in elegant dessert bowls, garnished with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent touch. Pair it with a shot of espresso for a delightful affogato or enjoy it on its own. This ice cream can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks, ensuring you always have a sophisticated dessert ready for guests or personal indulgence.