Hey, dessert lovers!
Are you ready to cool down with something sweet? I’ve got a fun and fruity treat for you!
Today, I’m sharing my delicious fruitcake ice cream recipe. Yes, you heard that right—fruitcake in ice cream form!
It’s creamy, loaded with fruity goodness, and perfect for any time of year.
Trust me, this is a dessert you don’t want to miss!
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For a dairy-free version, the milk and heavy cream can be replaced with full-fat coconut milk or a combination of coconut cream and almond milk. This substitution maintains a creamy texture while adding a subtle coconut flavor that complements the fruit and spices. Adjust the sweetness as coconut milk is naturally sweeter than dairy.
The egg yolks can be substituted with 1/4 cup of cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a vegan option. Whisk the starch with a small amount of the liquid ingredients before adding to the mixture. This will help thicken the ice cream base, though the texture may be slightly different.
For those avoiding alcohol, the gold rum can be replaced with apple juice or white grape juice mixed with a small amount of rum extract for flavor. Use about 3/4 cup of juice and 1/4 teaspoon of rum extract. This maintains the moisture and fruity notes without the alcohol content. Alternatively, for a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and increase the amount of fruit juice slightly to compensate for the lost liquid.
| Preparation Time | 60-120 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-7 minutes |
| Total Time | 24-30 hours |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3500-4000
- Protein: 30-40 g
- Fat: 300-320 g
- Carbohydrates: 300-350 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated zest from an orange
- 1/4 cup candied ginger
- 1/4 cup minced dried apricots
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- Approx. 1 cup gold rum, split
- 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 6 egg yolks
Step 1: Soak the Dried Fruits
Combine cherries, apricots, raisins, and ginger in a bowl.
Pour 3/4 cup of rum over the fruit and stir to ensure they are fully submerged.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it soak at room temperature for 24 hours.
This will allow the fruits to absorb the flavors of the rum, enhancing the taste of your ice cream.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Base
In a heavy saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, brown sugar, allspice, and clove until well combined.
Slowly add in cream and milk, whisking constantly.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.
It should form a custard that coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clean line when you swipe a finger across it, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Strain and Flavor the Custard
Pour the thickened custard through a strainer into an airtight container.
Stir in rum, orange zest, and salt incrementally to taste.
Cover the container and chill the mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the custard to become ice cream-ready.
Step 4: Toast and Chill the Nuts
The next day, toast the pecans and almonds until they are golden and fragrant.
Transfer the toasted nuts to the freezer to chill for later use.
At the same time, strain the soaked dried fruit mixture, reserving the remaining rum for another use.
Chill the strained fruit in the freezer.
Step 5: Churn and Combine Ice Cream Ingredients
Churn the prepared custard into ice cream according to your ice cream maker’s manufacturer’s instructions.
Once churning is complete, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container that holds at least 7 cups.
Quickly stir in the chilled fruit and nuts, mixing until well combined.
This will ensure every bite of ice cream is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 6: Freeze and Serve
Place the ice cream in the freezer for at least three hours to allow it to set and firm up before serving.
Once appropriately chilled, scoop and serve this rich, flavorful ice cream as a delicious treat for any occasion.
