Learn how to make Homemade Caramelised Pear and Ginger Ice Cream, a delicious Autumn treat that combines sweet caramelised fruit with warming ginger spice.
It’s that time of the year when we go from refreshing summer ice creams and sorbets to more comforting and warming dishes. As we are all about delicious Homemade Ice Cream, we have several favourite recipes for this time of the year.
Our Homemade caramelised pear and ginger ice cream perfectly embodies this seasonal transition, combining the sweet, rich taste of caramelised pears with the gentle heat of ginger.
This warming delicious dessert not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also evokes the cosy feelings of chilly evenings spent indoors. With its balance of spice and sweetness, this ice cream is an ideal treat for celebrating the rich flavours of autumn, drawing upon both the fantastic array of fresh autumnal produce and the warmth and goodness of ginger.
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A Cosy Autumnal Indulgence
One of our favourite ice cream recipes for the autumn season is our Homemade Caramelised Pear and Ginger Ice Cream. The warmth of ginger beautifully enhances the sweetly caramelised pears, creating a delicious balance between spice and sweetness.
The ginger brings a gentle heat that complements the soft, golden pears, which have been caramelised to perfection, adding a depth of flavour to the creamy ice cream base.
This combination of comforting autumn flavours makes it an ideal dessert for those chilly evenings, offering a cosy twist on traditional ice cream with a luxurious feel.
Whether served on its own or as an accompaniment to a warm pudding, this ice cream is the perfect way to celebrate the rich flavours of autumn.
A Pear-fect Blend: Ginger and Pears for a Healthy Boost
Both these key ingredients are not only incredibly flavoursome but both offer an array of healthy goodness too. Here are a few of the numerous health benefits of Pears and Ginger;
Health Benefits of Pears
Pears are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that offer various health benefits:
- Rich in Fibre: Pears are an excellent source of dietary fibre, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Antioxidant Properties: They contain antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Heart Health: The fibre, potassium, and antioxidants in pears contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and inflammation.
- Weight Management: Being low in calories and high in fibre, pears can help with weight control by promoting feelings of fullness.
- Bone Health: Pears contain boron, a mineral that helps the body retain calcium, which is crucial for strong bones.
- Anti-Inflammatory: The flavonoids in pears have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is a powerful spice with numerous health-promoting properties:
- Anti-Inflammatory: Ginger contains gingerols, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially helping with conditions like arthritis.
- Digestive Aid: It can help alleviate nausea, reduce bloating, and improve overall digestion.
- Pain Relief: Ginger has been shown to reduce muscle pain and soreness, particularly after exercise.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that ginger may help lower blood sugar levels and improve heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Immune Booster: The antioxidants in ginger can help strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of infections.
- Nausea Relief: Ginger is well-known for its ability to alleviate various forms of nausea, including morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
By incorporating these ingredients into your ice cream, you’re not only creating a delicious dessert but also adding some nutritional benefits to your treat.
While ice cream should still be enjoyed in moderation, these health benefits add an interesting dimension to homemade pear and ginger ice cream.
Caramelised Pear and Ginger Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- For the ice cream base:
- 500ml double cream
- 300ml whole milk
- 150g caster sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Toppings (optional) Crushed nuts or Pumpkin Seeds
- For the caramelised pears:
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
- 50g unsalted butter
- 75g soft brown sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
Method:
- Caramelising the Pears:
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- Heat the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced pears, brown sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the pears evenly.
- Cook the pears for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and caramelise, becoming golden brown.
- Remove from the heat and allow the pears to cool completely.
- Preparing the Ice Cream Base:
-
- In a medium saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and half of the sugar over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- While the cream mixture is heating, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and thick.
- Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 75°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in the ground ginger and vanilla extract.
- Let the custard cool to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churning the Ice Cream:
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- Once the custard has chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In the last few minutes of churning, gently fold in the caramelised pears.
- NB: If you do not have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a lidded, freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, remove from the freezer and stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process for 2–3 hours until the ice cream is smooth and creamy. See our article – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker
- Freezing:
-
- Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.
This recipe balances the creaminess of the base with the caramelised sweetness and adds just the right amount of ginger warmth for an autumn-inspired dessert.
Nutritional Guidance:
While rich and comforting, a serving (roughly 120ml) of this homemade caramelised pear and ginger ice cream contains approximately 515 calories, 35-40g of fat, 40-45g of carbohydrates, and 5-6g of protein.
This ice cream is an indulgent autumn treat, perfect for those special cosy moments!
Additional Toppings for Your Homemade Caramelised Pear and Ginger Ice Cream
Here are some topping ideas that pair wonderfully with caramelised pear and ginger ice cream:
- Crushed Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts add a textural crunch and nutty flavour that complements the sweetness of the ice cream.
- Pumpkin Seeds: For a nut-free option, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added texture and a hint of earthiness.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the ice cream enhances the caramelised flavour of the pears and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Ginger Crumble: A ginger crumble made from crushed ginger biscuits or cookies can provide a spicy crunch that pairs beautifully with the ginger in the ice cream.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly whipped cream adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the flavours of the ice cream.
- Cinnamon Sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can enhance the warm spices in the ice cream and add a sweet touch.
- Fresh Fruit: Slices of fresh pear or apple can be a refreshing addition, providing a contrast to the creamy texture of the ice cream.
- Chocolate Shavings: Dark chocolate shavings or curls can add a touch of bitterness that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the caramelised pears.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can enhance the natural sweetness and add complexity to the flavour profile.
These toppings not only enhance the flavour and texture of caramelised pear and ginger ice cream but also allow for personalisation, making each serving totally unique!
Dietary Alternatives for Caramelised Pear and Ginger Ice Cream
Whether you’re following specific dietary preferences or simply looking to accommodate guests with different needs, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to consider for our Caramelised Pear and Ginger Ice Cream.
From dairy-free and vegan options to lower-fat and sugar-free variations, these substitutions allow everyone to enjoy this comforting autumn treat without compromising on flavour or texture.
- Dairy-Free Option:
- Coconut Milk Base: Substitute the cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk or a blend of coconut cream and almond milk. This will give you a rich, creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.
- Nut Milk: Use almond, cashew, or oat milk as a base. These options can provide a different flavour profile and are suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Vegan Option:
- In addition to using coconut or nut milk, replace egg yolks with a vegan alternative like silken tofu or a commercial egg replacer. This will maintain the creaminess without using animal products.
- Lower Fat Option:
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk and reduce the amount of cream. You can also incorporate Greek yoghurt for added creaminess while cutting down on fat.
- Sugar-Free Option:
- Substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol or stevia. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavour and texture, so adjust accordingly.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Ensure any added ingredients, like toffee sauce or mix-ins, are gluten-free. Most fruits and dairy alternatives are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always good to check labels.
- Nut-Free Option:
- If you’re avoiding nuts, stick to coconut or oat milk for your base and ensure any toppings or mix-ins (like crushed nuts) are omitted or replaced with seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower seeds) for added texture.
Storage Hints & Tips
To ensure your homemade caramelised pear and ginger ice cream stays fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:
- Transfer to an Airtight Container: Once your ice cream has finished churning, transfer it to a high-quality, airtight container. This helps prevent air exposure, which can lead to freezer burn.
- Fill the Container Properly: Fill the container to the top to minimize the amount of air trapped inside. If you have a smaller batch, consider covering the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap or parchment paper before sealing to further reduce air contact.
- Freeze Immediately: Place the container in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at a temperature of -18°C (0°F) or lower. This ensures that your ice cream freezes quickly and maintains its creamy texture.
- Allow to Firm Up: For the best texture, allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 4 hours before serving. This will give it time to firm up properly.
- Serving Tips: If your ice cream has hardened too much after storage, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften it slightly.
- Shelf Life: Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 2 to 4 weeks for optimal flavour and texture. After this period, you may notice changes in consistency and taste.
For more detailed information on the proper storage of your homemade ice cream, check out our article – Ice Cream Storage Solutions – Essential Tips To Keep Your Homemade Ice Cream Fresh! – which offers various ideas, hints and tips to keep your ice cream as fresh as possible.
We hope that you have enjoyed our article – A Warming Homemade Caramelised Pear And Ginger Ice Cream – and we especially hope that we have inspired you to give our comforting, cosy Autumnal Ice Cream recipe a go.
If you have any questions. please do drop us a comment below and we’ll happily get back to you.
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This really sounds delicious! Who knew that ice cream can be beneficial! I love that you included the health benefits of these ingredients. I also like that you always include instructions for making the recipe without the benefit of an ice cream maker. I still don’t have one, so this would be a great option for me. I usually just want something with chocolate, but this recipe is one that I am going to have to try!
– Scott
Hi Scott,
Thanks for dropping by and for sharing your thoughts. Really glad that you appreciate our article.
Ice cream can sometimes get a bad wrap as being unhealthy, and we do our utmost to highlight the goodness that goes into homemade ice cream, without any additives and preservatives which often lace shop-bought ice cream.
This caramelised pear and ginger ice cream is very decadent and has a wonderful warmth about it, perfect for the Autumn (Fall) season.
If you do give this recipe a go, we would love to hear how you get on.
It’s great to hear you appreciate our additional directives for yourself and others who dont own an ice cream maker, we always aim to inspire all our readers whether they have an ice cream maker or not to be able to make and enjoy homemade ice cream.
Oooh, you like Chocolate? Who doesn’t, lol. We have an array of chocolate based homemade ice cream recipes, from Simple Easy Chocolate, to Terry’s Chocolate Orange, or then there’s a more daring Chilli and Chocolate that you might want to try. Head on over to our Chocolate Recipes Category to find even more delicious Chocolate Ice Creeam recipes.
Once again, thanks for dropping by and sharing.
All the very best
Cherie 🍦🙂