Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Corn Ice Cream offers a surprising flavor that combines the natural sweetness of corn with the richness of cream. This ice cream has a smooth, velvety texture thanks to the careful mixture of dextrose, locust bean gum, and milk powder. The roasted corn husks, corn silk, and cob infuse the base with a deep, toasty flavor that makes every bite unique. If you’re a fan of unconventional desserts or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 ear sweet corn

• 400 mL heavy cream

• 300 mL whole milk

• 30 g skim milk powder

• 100 g granulated sugar

• 30 g dextrose powder (substitute with granulated sugar)

• 1.5 g locust bean gum (substitute with 3 egg yolks)

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.

2. Peel and discard the outermost layers of husk from the ear of corn. Peel off the inner husks and set them aside on a sheet tray. Remove the corn silk and set it aside. Cut the corn kernels off the cob and reserve both the kernels and the cob separately.

3. Lay the corn husks on a sheet pan and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. The husks should be stiff and deeply browned with a toasty aroma, but not completely blackened.

4. In a bowl, whisk together 100 g granulated sugar, 30 g dextrose powder, 1.5 g locust bean gum, and 30 g skim milk powder until well mixed.

5. In a blender or large pot (if using an immersion blender), combine 400 mL heavy cream, 300 mL whole milk, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, the sugar mixture, and corn kernels. Blend until smooth with no whole kernels remaining.

6. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl halfway with ice and water.

7. Transfer the blended mixture to a pot, adding the reserved corn cob, corn silk, and roasted corn husks. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 170°F.

8. Remove the corn husks and cob from the mixture. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible.

9. Set the bowl over the ice bath to chill until cool to the touch. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours) for improved flavor and texture.

10. Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream machine and churn according to the machine’s instructions. The ice cream should reach a soft-serve consistency.

11. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to set completely.

12. Before serving, let the ice cream thaw at room temperature for 5 minutes to make scooping easier.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 quart (approximately 4-6 servings)

• Prep Time: 45 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Inactive Time: 8 hours (for chilling)

Variations

• Vegan Version: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk and cream. Ensure the texture is maintained with the addition of a plant-based thickener like agar-agar if needed.

• Sugar-Free Version: Replace the granulated sugar and dextrose with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Adjust the measurements based on the substitute used.

• Corn and Vanilla Combo: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture for a vanilla-corn flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. For best results, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping.

FAQs

1. How do I store Sweet Corn Ice Cream?

Store your Sweet Corn Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For smoother texture, allow it to soften at room temperature before serving.

2. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen corn for fresh. However, fresh corn tends to have a richer, sweeter flavor that enhances the ice cream’s profile.

3. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream machine?

You can still make this ice cream without a machine by placing the chilled mixture in a shallow container and freezing it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches a smooth consistency.

4. Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut milk or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for the heavy cream and whole milk. You may need to adjust the sweetener to taste.

5. Can I substitute dextrose powder with something else?

Yes, dextrose can be substituted with more granulated sugar, though dextrose helps with texture and sweetness in a way that regular sugar cannot.

6. How can I get a creamier texture?

To improve texture, be sure to chill the mixture for at least 8 hours before churning and ensure you use a quality ice cream machine that chums the mixture well.

7. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate to the ice cream?

Yes, you can fold in your favorite mix-ins such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even caramel swirls when the ice cream reaches soft-serve consistency before freezing.

8. What can I do if the ice cream is too hard after freezing?

If the ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. If you’re using an ice cream machine, ensure it is fully churned before freezing to avoid ice crystals forming.

9. How do I make sure the ice cream doesn’t get icy?

Proper churning and the right mixture of stabilizers (like locust bean gum or egg yolks) will help reduce ice crystals and give you a creamy texture.

10. How long does Sweet Corn Ice Cream take to set?

It typically takes 4 hours of freezing after churning to fully set. You can let it freeze overnight for the best texture.

Conclusion

Sweet Corn Ice Cream is an exciting and unique dessert that stands out from your typical ice cream flavors. With a rich, creamy base and a surprising depth of flavor from roasted corn, this treat is sure to be a hit with anyone looking to try something new. Perfect for summer gatherings or simply to enjoy on your own, this ice cream is both a fun and indulgent way to enjoy the sweet flavors of corn.