Ever tried grape ice cream? If not, you’re in for a real treat. While grape popsicles and jellies are everywhere, this creamy, fruity delight is a rarity. Why? Grape’s high water content can make crafting the perfect ice cream tricky—but don’t worry! This recipe solves that with Concord grapes, known for their rich, bold flavor and deep purple color. The result? A dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Let’s dive in.
Recipe At a Glance
Time Needed:
- Prep: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 10 minutes
- Chilling: At least 4 hours
- Total: About 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: Makes 4 hearty portions. Want more? Double or triple the ingredients!
Difficulty: Moderate—but don’t let that scare you. It’s beginner-friendly if you’re up for a little adventure.
Tools You’ll Need:
- A saucepan
- A sieve (fine-mesh preferred)
- Mixing bowls
- An ice cream maker (or no-churn method—I’ll explain later)
Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the ice cream base a day ahead, chill it, and churn when you’re ready. Easy!
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks – To make it rich and velvety.
- 2 cups heavy cream – The key to that creamy goodness.
- 1 cup whole milk – Balances out the creaminess.
- 1 ¾ cups sugar – Adds sweetness, but feel free to adjust.
- 8 cups Concord grapes – Frozen works too! These bring the flavor and color.
- A pinch of sea salt – Trust me, it makes a big difference.
- 2 tablespoons water – To help release the grape juices.
Substitutions:
- Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
- Going dairy-free? Try coconut cream and almond milk. Texture might change a bit, but it’s worth experimenting!
Step-by-Step: Let’s Make It
1. Prep the Grape Magic:
- Grab a saucepan and toss in your grapes with a bit of water. Warm it over low heat until the grapes start breaking down.
- Mash them up with a spoon to get all that juicy goodness out.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain it through a sieve. What you get? Pure, fragrant grape juice. Set it aside to cool.
2. Make the Custard Base:
- In another saucepan, heat up the cream, milk, half the sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir over medium heat until it’s hot (but don’t let it boil).
- Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks and remaining sugar in a bowl until smooth and pale.
- Slowly pour a little of the hot cream into the yolks while whisking. This keeps the eggs from scrambling.
- Once mixed, pour it all back into the saucepan. Cook on low, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (you’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon).
3. Combine It All:
- Take the custard off the heat and stir in your cooled grape juice. Mix it well!
4. Chill and Churn:
- Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool completely. Then stick it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Ready to churn? Use your ice cream maker to do the hard work. No ice cream maker? Pour the mix into a container, freeze, and stir it every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours.
Customize Your Scoop
Want to make this recipe your own? Try these ideas:
- Add Warm Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg works wonders.
- Keep It Fancy: Swirl in grape jelly or sprinkle candied nuts before freezing.
- Go Vegan: Use plant-based milk and cream for a dairy-free option.
How to Serve & Store
- Serving Tips: Scoop into bowls and top with fresh grapes or a drizzle of grape syrup for extra flair. Bonus points if you pair it with a slice of chocolate cake.
- Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To avoid ice crystals, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.
- Before Serving: Let the ice cream sit out for 5–10 minutes to soften. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Why You’ll Love This
This grape ice cream isn’t just a dessert—it’s a little piece of summer in a bowl. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, fruity flavors with a creamy twist. Give it a try, and you’ll see why grape ice cream deserves a spot in your freezer.
PrintGrape Ice Cream
Indulge in the creamy, velvety goodness of homemade grape ice cream made with fresh Concord grapes. This dessert combines the bold, tangy flavor of grapes with a rich custard base, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (includes resting/chillingtime)
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 16 fluid ounces heavy cream (or light cream for a lighter version)
- 8 fluid ounces whole milk
- 14 ounces granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup for natural sweetness)
- 8 cups Concord grapes (fresh or frozen)
- A dash of sea salt
- 2 ounces water
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Grapes
- In a large saucepan, combine Concord grapes and water. Heat over low flame until the grapes release their juices and start bubbling.
- Gently mash the grapes with a wooden spoon to break them down further. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Blend the cooled mixture briefly, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and skins, leaving a smooth grape juice.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Base
- In another saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, half the sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Heat over medium flame until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually add a small amount of the hot cream mixture to temper the yolks while whisking continuously.
- Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Avoid boiling.
- Stir in the cooled grape juice until fully combined.
Step 3: Chill and Churn
- Transfer the custard to a large mixing bowl and let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions until it reaches soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer to an airtight container, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent ice crystals, seal tightly, and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve scoops in chilled bowls topped with fresh grapes or drizzled with grape syrup for added flair. Pair with shortbread cookies or chocolate cake for a decadent dessert experience.
Tips & Tricks:
- Tempering eggs is crucial—add hot liquid slowly to avoid scrambling them!
- For smoother texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent freezer burn.
- Let sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping for easier serving.