Hazelnut Ice Cream

Hazelnut ice cream is a classic delight that enchants the palate with its creaminess and intense hazelnut flavor. Here’s how to prepare it at home with suitable ingredients and tools.

Ingredients

• 250 ml of whole milk
• 200 ml of fresh cream
• 150 g of granulated sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 150 g of hazelnut paste (can be substituted with finely ground hazelnuts or hazelnut cream)

Preparation

1. Start by heating the milk in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
2. In the meantime, beat the egg yolks with the sugar in a bowl until you get a frothy and light mixture.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk over the mixture of yolks and sugar, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
4. Transfer everything back to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it slightly thickens (reaching a temperature of 82-85 °C, without boiling).
5. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool down.
6. Add the hazelnut paste (or chosen alternative) and mix well until completely incorporated.
7. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then add the fresh cream and mix well.
8. Transfer the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the instructions of your device to churn the ice cream. If you do not have an ice cream maker, you can place the mixture in a container and freeze it, stirring every hour for about 3-4 times to prevent ice crystals from forming.
9. Once the desired consistency is achieved, transfer the ice cream into a suitable container and leave it in the freezer for a few hours before serving.

Fun Fact

Hazelnut ice cream is a jewel in the crown of Italian gelaterias, especially in Piedmont, where these delicious nuts are a true local excellence. In Italian artisanal gelaterias, the quality of the hazelnuts used is crucial for producing a rich and authentic-flavored ice cream. Serve hazelnut ice cream topped with hazelnut crumbs for a crunchy and visually appealing touch.