Fresh Blackberry Ice Cream (Uncooked)

Name: Fresh Blackberry Ice Cream (uncooked)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces frozen and thawed, or fresh blackberries; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 cup milk; 2 eggs; pinch of salt; 1-1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon vodka; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, cut into skinny slivers with a large knife

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Whether you have fresh blackberries or frozen, this recipe for Fresh Blackberry Ice Cream is uncooked, refreshing, not-too-sweet, and something different from the usual vanilla and chocolate. The chocolate shards are optional but highly recommended.

Blackberry Ice Cream with Chocolate Shards in serving goblets

Have you ever had this happen?

We were enjoying our first successful crop of blackberries earlier this summer when something, somebody, or some animal decided to enjoy them as well. Whatever it was swooped in and cleaned out our entire crop overnight.

The only clues were some berry parts and seeds dropped on top of the pool equipment located next to the blackberry bushes. Makes me think the berry robbers could fly. Anybody else ever had this happen? Luckily, I had gathered a pretty big batch of berries only two nights before in anticipation of making this ice cream.

Fruit and chocolate combinations

As someone who is not usually a fan of fruit/chocolate combinations, I am surprised how well the chocolate pairs with the fresh berry flavor. Your tastebuds will wallow in the initial sweet mellowness of the blackberries and cream.

But as the cream disappears, you are left with the not-so-sweet but perfectly compatible flavor of the irregularly shaped bittersweet chocolate shards. Indulge yourself and buy good chocolate for the most satisfaction.

Is it OK to use raw eggs in ice cream?

This is uncooked ice cream. Cooked ice-cream or custard-style tends to be richer (all those egg yolks) and certainly more labor-intensive.

Please note this recipe calls for raw eggs. We think the flavor is better and aren’t concerned about safety because the eggs are washed before they are sold. If you are uncomfortable with the idea or are serving people who are immunocompromised, look for pasteurized eggs sold in some markets.

How to prepare berries for Fresh Blackberry Homemade Ice Cream:

Use a potato masher to smash berries and incorporate sugar.

Pour liquid berries into a fine strainer placed over a bowl.

Use a spatula to push berries through the strainer.

Whisk the remaining ingredients into the strained berries.

How to make Blackberry Ice Cream with a Donvier Ice Cream Maker:

The Donvier Ice Cream Maker is my favorite way to make ice cream. However, this recipe will work with any ice cream maker. Although the pictures show Coffee Ice Cream, the process is the same.

inner tub for Donvier ice cream freezer — Store the inner liner of your ice cream maker in your freezer all the time or place it in your freezer for a minimum of 12 hours.

paddle inside Donvier ice cream freezer — Insert paddle and pour in chilled ice cream mixture

assembled Donvier ice cream freezer — Put the lid on and turn the paddle (or turn on your machine).

ice cream partially frozen — Churn until the ice cream is a soft-serve consistency.

frozen ice cream placed into loaf pan to freeze harder inside a regular freezer — Pour soft ice cream into a chilled loaf pan lined with plastic wrap. Cover with more plastic wrap.

Why add vodka?

I’m not into drinking alcohol (personal preference), but I keep vodka in the house for two reasons.

Vodka is useful for making vanilla extract
A tablespoon of vodka added to any homemade ice cream keeps it from freezing rock hard without changing the flavor. Consequently, leaving it out is OK, too. No substitute is required.

If you make this recipe and enjoy it, consider helping other readers and me by returning to this post. Leave a rating on the recipe card itself underneath the picture. Although always appreciated, comments aren’t required. Thank you for visiting! Paula