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Three scoops of creamy Blackberry Ice Cream topped with chocolate chunks in a white bowl.
Linda

Blackberry Ice Cream

Creamy, vibrant homemade ice cream bursting with fresh blackberry flavor and beautiful purple swirls.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 8 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Blackberry Puree
  • 3 cups fresh blackberries about 12 oz, divided
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
For the Ice Cream Base
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup keeps texture scoopable
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp fine sea salt

Equipment

  • Ice Cream Maker
  • Fine-Mesh Sieve
  • Medium saucepan
  • Blender or Food Processor

Method
 

Make the Blackberry Puree
  1. Combine 2 cups blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries break down and juices run freely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth, then press through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. You should have about 1 cup puree. Refrigerate until cold.
Prepare the Ice Cream Base
  1. In the same saucepan (no need to clean), combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and corn syrup. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until sugar dissolves - about 3-4 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
  2. Pour the warm base into a large bowl or container. Refrigerate until completely cold, at least 4 hours or overnight. The colder the base, the smoother your ice cream will be.
Churn the Ice Cream
  1. Churn the cold base in your ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions, usually 20-25 minutes, until it reaches soft-serve consistency. In the last 2 minutes, slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup of the blackberry puree to create a swirl. Reserve remaining puree for layering.
  2. Spread one-third of the ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons reserved puree and scatter half the remaining fresh blackberries. Repeat with another third of ice cream, more puree, and remaining berries. Top with final layer of ice cream and remaining puree. Use a knife to gently swirl. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for the best texture. Serve in bowls or cones.

Notes

For the creamiest texture, make sure your ice cream base is thoroughly chilled before churning - I like to make it the night before. If you do not have an ice cream maker, pour the base into a shallow pan and freeze, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes until frozen. The corn syrup prevents ice crystals and keeps the ice cream scoopable straight from the freezer, but you can substitute with 1 tablespoon honey if preferred. Store covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.