This recipe creates a rich and decadent vanilla bean ice cream adorned with delicate, edible gold leaf. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in the ultimate luxury.
Yields: Approximately 1 quart (4 servings)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: At least 4 hours (custard) + at least 6 hours (churning)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients:
For the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Base (Custard):
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
- 5 large egg yolks
For Assembly:
- Edible 23K or 24K gold leaf sheets or flakes (amount as desired)
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Heatproof bowl
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Ice bath (large bowl filled with ice and water)
- Ice cream maker (chilled according to manufacturer’s instructions)
- An airtight container for freezing
- Small, clean paintbrush or tweezers (for handling gold leaf)
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Bean Infusion
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the scraped vanilla bean seeds and the empty vanilla bean pod to the saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is just simmering around the edges. Do not boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the vanilla infuse for 15-20 minutes. This allows the vanilla flavor to fully develop.
Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks
- While the cream mixture is infusing, whisk the egg yolks in a separate heatproof bowl until they are slightly pale and thickened.
- Slowly pour about half of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly and vigorously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Pour the warmed egg yolk mixture back into the remaining cream mixture in the saucepan.
Step 3: Cook the Custard
- Place the saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Be careful not to let the custard boil.
- To check for doneness, run your finger across the back of the coated spoon. If the line holds and doesn’t immediately run back together, the custard is ready.
Step 4: Strain and Chill the Custard
- Remove the custard from the heat and immediately pour it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean heatproof bowl. This will remove any cooked egg bits and the vanilla bean pod, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Place the bowl of custard into the ice bath. Stir occasionally until the custard is completely cooled down.
- Once cooled, cover the surface of the custard directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to chill thoroughly.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
- Remove the chilled ice cream base from the refrigerator. Whisk it briefly to ensure it’s smooth.
- Pour the ice cream base into your chilled ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 20-30 minutes, or until the ice cream has a soft-serve consistency.
Step 6: Freeze the Ice Cream
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container.
- Place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the ice cream is firm.
Step 7: Adorn with Gold Leaf
- Once the ice cream is fully frozen, scoop it into bowls or cones.
- Carefully handle the edible gold leaf. It is very delicate. You can use a small, clean paintbrush or tweezers to pick up and place the gold leaf onto the surface of the ice cream.
- Arrange the gold leaf in a decorative pattern or simply scatter it for an opulent effect.
Step 8: Serve and Indulge!
Serve the Gold Leaf Ice Cream immediately and enjoy the luxurious combination of creamy vanilla and shimmering gold.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Since this is a luxury dessert, opt for good-quality heavy cream, whole milk, and a plump, fragrant vanilla bean.
- Don’t rush the chilling process: Thoroughly chilling the custard and the churned ice cream is crucial for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Handle gold leaf with care: It’s extremely delicate and can easily tear or stick to your fingers. Work in a still environment.
- Experiment with flavors: While classic vanilla is elegant, you can adapt this recipe with other rich flavors like dark chocolate or caramel. Just ensure the base is a high-quality custard.
- Presentation matters: Serve in elegant bowls or glasses to enhance the luxurious feel of the dessert.
- Enjoy your exquisite Gold Leaf Ice Cream! This dessert is sure to impress and provide a truly decadent experience.
