Name: Yummy Ackee Ice cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 can of ackee (540 grams) or 2 cups of ackee: Drained to remove any brine.; 2 cups heavy cream: For that rich, creamy texture.; 1 cup whole milk: Balances the heaviness of the cream.; 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a smooth texture.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the ackee.; Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.; 3 egg yolks: For a custard base that gives the ice cream a rich, smooth consistency.

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Imagine a scoop of ice cream that not only cools you down on a hot day but also transports you to the sunny, tropical paradise of Jamaica. Ackee ice cream does just that! This exotic treat combines the unique, buttery flavor of ackee fruit with the creamy goodness of ice cream, creating a dessert experience like no other. Whether you’re an ice cream lover looking for your next favorite flavor or an adventurer eager to try something new, this ackee ice cream recipe is sure to delight your taste buds!

What is Ackee?

Ackee is a tropical fruit native to West Africa but is most famously associated with Jamaican cuisine. The ackee tree produces bright red pods, which open to reveal creamy yellow flesh when ripe. Ackee has a unique, buttery flavor and a soft, creamy texture, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. Canned ackee is pre-cooked and safe to eat, offering a convenient way to enjoy this exotic fruit. Ackee is a staple in Jamaican dishes like ackee and saltfish and is now gaining popularity in desserts like ice cream for its delightful taste and creamy consistency.

What is Ackee Ice Cream?

Ackee ice cream is a delicious, tropical dessert made from the ackee fruit, which is native to West Africa but is most famously associated with Jamaican cuisine. Ackee has a rich, buttery flavor and a creamy texture that makes it a perfect ingredient for ice cream. While fresh ackee is typically used in savory dishes like the traditional Jamaican ackee and saltfish, using canned ackee in this recipe makes it accessible and easy to prepare. The result is a velvety, sweet ice cream with a hint of tropical flair.

Why You Will Love This Ackee Ice Cream Recipe

Unique Flavor: Ackee’s distinctive buttery taste sets this ice cream apart from more common flavors, offering a unique twist to your dessert repertoire.
Easy to Make: Using canned ackee simplifies the process, so you can enjoy this exotic treat without the hassle of prepping fresh fruit.
Creamy Texture: The natural creaminess of ackee blends beautifully with the ice cream base, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and rich dessert.
Tropical Delight: Perfect for summer or any time you want to bring a bit of the tropics into your home.
Impressive and Fun: Surprise your friends and family with this unexpected yet delightful flavor, making you the star of any gathering.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Ice Cream Maker: To churn and freeze the ice cream mixture to the perfect consistency.
Blender or Food Processor: For pureeing the canned ackee to a smooth texture.
Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for preparing the ice cream base and mixing ingredients.
Whisk: To blend ingredients smoothly and incorporate air into the mixture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
Saucepan: To heat and combine the milk and sugar for the ice cream base.
Pot: For boiling the ackee briefly before pureeing.
Strainer: To ensure a smooth ackee puree, free of any fibrous bits.
Storage Container: Airtight, freezer-safe container to store your finished ice cream.
Spatula: For scraping down the sides of bowls and getting every bit of your ice cream base into the maker.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Canned ackee: Make sure it’s drained and rinsed to remove any brine.
Heavy cream: For that rich, creamy texture.
Whole milk: Balances the heaviness of the cream.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a smooth texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the ackee.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Egg yolks: For a custard base that gives the ice cream a rich, smooth consistency.

How to Make Ackee Ice Cream

Making ackee ice cream involves blending the creamy ackee fruit into a smooth puree, then creating a rich custard base with milk, sugar, and egg yolks. This custard is combined with heavy cream and vanilla, infusing it with a delightful tropical flavor. The mixture is then thoroughly chilled before being churned in an ice cream maker, resulting in a smooth, luscious dessert that highlights the unique taste of ackee. This recipe beautifully combines the exotic flavor of ackee with the creamy texture of traditional ice cream, offering a refreshing and unique treat.
(See recipe below).

Substitutions & Recipe Variations

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Sugar Alternatives: Use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like Stevia to replace granulated sugar. Adjust quantities to taste.
Egg-Free: For an egg-free version, use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the milk mixture instead of egg yolks.

Recipe Variations

Tropical Twist: Add a tablespoon of finely grated lime zest or a splash of rum for a Caribbean flair.
Ackee and Nutmeg: Sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg into the ice cream base for a warm, spiced flavor.
Ackee Swirl: After churning, fold in a swirl of your favorite fruit puree, such as mango or passion fruit, for added bursts of flavor.

FAQs for Ackee Ice Cream

1. Can I use fresh ackee instead of canned ackee?
Yes, you can use fresh ackee. Canned ackee was used because it’s more convenient and readily available, making the process simpler.

2. Is canned ackee safe to eat?
Yes, canned ackee is safe to eat as it has been processed correctly. Fresh ackee must be prepared properly before eating. Read more.

3. Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can make ackee ice cream without an ice cream maker by using a no-churn method. After mixing the base, pour it into a shallow dish, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes for about 3 hours to break up ice crystals.

4. How long will ackee ice cream keep in the freezer?
Ackee ice cream will keep for up to 2 weeks in the freezer when stored in an airtight container. For best quality, consume it within the first week.

5. Can I add other flavors to the ackee ice cream?
Absolutely! You can try to add tropical flavors like coconut, lime, and pineapple. You can also add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm, aromatic twist.

6. What should I do if my ice cream base curdles?
If the base curdles, you can try straining it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps. If the texture is still not smooth, you may need to start over, ensuring to temper the eggs more slowly.

7. Why is my ice cream too hard to scoop?
Homemade ice cream tends to be firmer than store-bought versions. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

8. Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like honey, maple syrup, or artificial sweeteners. Adjust the amount according to the sweetness level of the substitute.

This ackee ice cream is a deliciously unique treat that’s perfect for impressing your friends and family. Enjoy every creamy, tropical ackee icream!

If you enjoyed this Ackee ice cream recipe, please take a moment to scroll down and leave a comment and review!

Yummy Ackee Ice cream

Recipe by yummyackee.comCuisine: Jamaican

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Ingredients

1 can of ackee (540 grams) or 2 cups of ackee: Drained to remove any brine.
2 cups heavy cream: For that rich, creamy texture.
1 cup whole milk: Balances the heaviness of the cream.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the ackee.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
3 egg yolks: For a custard base that gives the ice cream a rich, smooth consistency.

Instructions

Prepare the Ackee Puree
Drain and Rinse: Open the can of ackee, drain, and rinse the fruit to remove any brine.
Puree: In a blender or food processor, puree the ackee until it’s completely smooth. Set aside.
Make the Ice Cream Base
Heat the Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale and slightly thickened.
Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture, continuing to whisk.
Cook the Base: Return the egg and milk mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
Combine and Chill
Mix in Cream and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and ackee puree until well combined.
Chill: Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely chilled. For best results, chill overnight.
Churn and Freeze
Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes.
Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. Freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.

Notes

You can make ackee ice cream without an ice cream maker by using a no-churn method. After mixing the base, pour it into a shallow dish, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes for about 3 hours to break up ice crystals.