Name: Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: Gourmet
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh figs, stemmed and chopped; 1/2 cup water; zest of 1 lemon; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 cups heavy cream, divided; 1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 vanilla bean, split with seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract); 2 cups whole milk; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re ready to take your dessert game to irresistible new heights, Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream will absolutely win you over. Bursting with luscious, roasted fig flavor woven together with smooth, fragrant vanilla, this homemade treat transforms everyday ice cream into a creamy, dreamy showstopper that tastes straight out of a European cafe. Whether you’re making this as a stunning finish to a dinner party or a sweet reward for yourself, Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream promises an unforgettable spoonful in every bite.

Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, carefully chosen ingredients that all play a starring role: from deeply flavored ripe figs to fresh lemon zest, every element adds a special touch to the texture, fragrance, and color of your ice cream.

Fresh Figs (2 pounds, stemmed and chopped): Choose ripe, plump figs for the sweetest, richest flavor and beautiful magenta flecks throughout your ice cream.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps the figs gently stew and soften into a thick, jammy base.
Lemon Zest (zest of 1 lemon): Adds brightness and a gentle citrus lift that wakes up the sweetness of the figs.
Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Creates a lovely balance, drawing out the natural juices and sweetness of the fruit with just the right level of indulgence.
Heavy Cream (3 cups, divided): Gives the ice cream its rich, silky body—don’t skimp on the full-fat goodness!
Lemon Juice (1/2 teaspoon, freshly squeezed): Not just for flavor—it helps preserve the fig’s color and freshness.
Vanilla Bean (1, split with seeds scraped, or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract): Vanilla is the harmony underlining the fruity notes; a scraped vanilla bean grants those tiny signature specks.
Whole Milk (2 cups): Keeps the ice cream creamy but light enough to let all the flavors shine through.
Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Our secret to achieving that ultra-creamy texture—cornstarch thickens the base without egg yolks.
Salt (pinch): Just enough to round out and deepen the flavors—don’t skip it!

How to Make Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream

Step 1: Stew the Figs

Place your chopped figs, water, and freshly grated lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Let them cook together over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs soften and begin to break down into a gorgeous compote. It’ll smell heavenly and look like ruby-colored jam—that’s your cue to move on!

Step 2: Sweeten and Thicken the Fig Mixture

Stir in the granulated sugar and let the mixture continue to gently cook until it becomes thick, bubbly, and glossy—almost like fig jam. This step intensifies the fruit’s flavor, and you’ll know you’re ready to move on once you can drag a spoon through the bottom of the pan and it leaves a clear trail. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Blend and Chill

Transfer the cooled fig mixture into a blender. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and a splash of lemon juice, then blend until completely smooth. Pour this stunningly hued purée into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. This wait is worth it—a cold base ensures velvety smooth Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream!

Step 4: Prepare the Custard Base

In another saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream, the scraped vanilla seeds or vanilla extract, sugar, cornstarch, and a tiny pinch of salt. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly. You’ll see it thicken after a few minutes—stop when it can coat the back of a spoon. Cool this custard base completely in the refrigerator, covered, to avoid any skin forming.

Step 5: Combine and Churn

Once both fig purée and custard base are nice and cold, gently stir them together. Pour the finished mixture into your ice cream maker and churn based on the manufacturer’s instructions. The mixture will transform before your eyes into a luxurious, creamy treat. Once soft-serve consistency is reached, transfer to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and freeze the Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream for 2 to 4 hours, until perfectly scoopable.

How to Serve Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream

Garnishes

Try a scatter of toasted almonds, a drizzle of honey, or even a few extra slices of fresh fig on top. The little finishing touches add both visual drama and lovely flavor contrast to the creamy richness of your Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream.

Side Dishes

Pair a scoop (or two!) with buttery shortbread, almond biscotti, or a crisp tuile for a textural pairing that makes dessert feel truly special. It pairs just as beautifully with a platter of summer berries or poached stone fruit, turning a simple treat into an elegant finale.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop your Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream into vintage coupe glasses, sandwich it between thin lemon cookies, or spoon atop a slice of pound cake for a sundae with serious style. For a festive brunch, serve smaller scoops in mini cones alongside espresso for a playful grown-up treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftover Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream into a tightly sealed container and tuck it in the coldest part of your freezer. For maximum freshness and texture, enjoy it within one week—the intense fig and vanilla flavors only get better over the first few days!

Freezing

To prevent iciness, press a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing. This extra step keeps each scoop ultra-creamy and undiluted by freezer odors, meaning every bite will taste just as fabulous as the first.

Reheating

While you won’t actually be reheating this decadent dessert, if your Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream becomes a little too firm in the freezer, simply move it to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving. It will scoop perfectly, with no risk of melting away those lush flavors.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs if fresh aren’t available?

You can, but the flavor and color will be slightly different. Rehydrate dried figs in hot water until plump, and be sure to taste as you go, since dried figs tend to be sweeter and more concentrated.

Is an ice cream maker necessary for this recipe?

An ice cream maker helps achieve the smoothest, creamiest result, but you can improvise by freezing the mixture in a shallow pan and stirring vigorously every 30 minutes until creamy. The texture may be more rustic, but the Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream flavor will still shine through.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute full-fat coconut milk and your favorite non-dairy cream for the milk and heavy cream. The results will be deliciously creamy with a subtle hint of coconut playing alongside the fig and vanilla.

How do I get those beautiful vanilla bean flecks?

Split a vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds right into your custard base. If you only have extract, you’ll miss the flecks, but the flavor is still wonderful. For a true visual wow-factor, vanilla bean is your friend!

Can I add mix-ins to the Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream?

Yes! Fold in a handful of roasted walnuts, candied ginger, or even crumbled almond biscotti right after churning for extra texture, flavor, and a little surprise in each scoop.

Final Thoughts

If you love trying creative desserts and expressing a little kitchen artistry, treat yourself—and your loved ones—to a batch of Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream. It’s a truly unique, swoon-worthy delight that just might become your new signature summer treat. Give it a try and watch those smiles grow with every creamy, fruity spoonful!

Gourmet Fig and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of ripe figs and fragrant vanilla with this gourmet fig and vanilla ice cream recipe. Creamy, fruity, and utterly decadent, this homemade ice cream is a perfect treat for any dessert lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Figs:

2 pounds fresh figs, stemmed and chopped

Fig Jam:

1/2 cup water
zest of 1 lemon
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Ice Cream Base:

3 cups heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 vanilla bean, split with seeds scraped (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons cornstarch
pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Fig Jam: In a saucepan, cook figs, water, and lemon zest until soft. Add sugar, cook to jam-like consistency, cool, blend with 1 cup cream, and chill.
Make Ice Cream Base: In another saucepan, combine milk, 2 cups cream, vanilla, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook until thickened, cool.
Combine Mixtures: Blend fig jam mixture with ice cream base, churn in ice cream maker, freeze until firm.