Description
This Salted Butter Custard Ice Cream with Homemade Waffle Cones recipe offers a rich, creamy ice cream infused with buttery goodness and a hint of vanilla, complemented by freshly baked crisp waffle cones. The ice cream is made using a custard base tempered and cooked on the stovetop, then churned for a luscious texture. Finished with a drizzle of melted European-style butter and a sprinkle of flaky Maldon salt, this dessert balances sweet and salty flavors beautifully, making it a decadent treat perfect for warm weather or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Butter Custard Ice Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup milk powder
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
For the Homemade Waffle Cones:
- 1/4 cup egg whites
- 1/3 cup granulated cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons European-style butter, melted
- Flaky Maldon salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Combine Dairy and Sweeteners: In a large saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, milk powder, honey (or maple syrup), and melted unsalted butter until well combined.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook the mixture until it reaches 110°F (43°C). Immediately remove from the heat to prevent overheating.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a large mixing bowl, add the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of the hot milk mixture to the yolks. Repeat this step two more times to slowly temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Combine Egg Mixture and Milk: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
- Cook Custard: Place the saucepan back on medium heat and cook while stirring continuously until the custard thickens and reaches a temperature between 170°F and 175°F (77°C to 79°C). This should take about 5 to 10 minutes. The custard will coat the back of a spoon when ready.
- Add Vanilla and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste. Transfer the mixture to a heat-safe glass container and allow it to cool at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Chill Custard: Cover and refrigerate the custard until fully cooled, ideally for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft serve consistency.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1 to 2 hours to allow it to firm up.
- Make Waffle Cones: While the ice cream chills, whisk together egg whites, granulated cane sugar, melted butter, warm water, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth to create the waffle batter. Cook batter in a waffle cone maker or waffle iron until crisp. Shape into cones while warm and allow to cool.
- Serve: Scoop the butter custard ice cream into the homemade waffle cones. Drizzle small spoonfuls of melted European-style butter over each serving and sprinkle with flaky Maldon salt immediately before the butter hardens. Serve and enjoy promptly.
Notes
- Tempering the eggs slowly is crucial to avoid scrambling them.
- Use an accurate food thermometer for best results when cooking the custard.
- The custard can be made a day ahead to deepen flavor.
- Substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a different but complementary sweetness.
- Ensure waffle cones are completely cooled before filling to avoid melting the ice cream prematurely.
- Add toppings like chocolate chips or nuts during soft serve stage if desired.