Toasted Black Sesame Ice Cream (Printable)

Creamy vanilla custard infused with toasted black sesame paste creates a rich, nutty frozen dessert with a striking dark color and unique Asian-inspired flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Black Sesame Paste

01 - 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
02 - 2 tablespoons honey
03 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (grapeseed or sunflower)

→ Ice Cream Base

04 - 1 2/3 cups whole milk
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
07 - 4 large egg yolks
08 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add black sesame seeds and toast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
02 - Grind cooled seeds in a food processor or spice grinder until fine powder forms. Add honey and neutral oil, blending until smooth paste develops. Set aside.
03 - Combine milk, heavy cream, and half the sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until steaming, avoiding boiling.
04 - Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar and salt in a separate bowl until mixture appears pale and thickened.
05 - Gradually pour hot milk mixture into egg yolks while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
06 - Return mixture to saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon until thickened enough to coat spoon back, approximately 175°F.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in prepared black sesame paste and vanilla extract, mixing until completely smooth and incorporated.
08 - Strain custard through fine mesh sieve into clean bowl. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate minimum 4 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
09 - Process chilled mixture in ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions until达到 desired consistency.
10 - Transfer churned ice cream to freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 2 hours until firm enough to scoop.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The deep nutty flavor tastes like nothing else in your ice cream repertoire
  • It strikes that perfect balance between sophisticated and comforting
02 -
  • The custard can curdle if the heat gets too high, so keep it gentle and patient
  • Overchurning creates a grainy texture, so stop when it looks like soft serve
03 -
  • Toast extra sesame seeds and store them in a jar for sprinkling on other desserts
  • The paste can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to a week

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