Ingredients
- Heavy Cream (2 cups)
- Whole Milk (1 cup)
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup, divided)
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1 cup, packed)
- Lime Zest (from 2 medium limes)
- Fresh Strawberries (2 pints, hulled and halved)
- Pinch of Salt (¼ teaspoon)
Instructions
- Step 1: Infuse the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, ¾ cup of the granulated sugar, salt, basil leaves, and lime zest. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, but do not boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let the mixture steep for 45-60 minutes to infuse the basil and lime flavor.
- Step 2: Chill the Base: Strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or container to remove the basil leaves and zest solids. Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until thoroughly cold.
- Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the fully chilled base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20-30 minutes). Once churning is complete, transfer the soft ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 3-4 hours to harden.
- Step 4: Roast the Strawberries: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the hulled and halved strawberries with the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the strawberries are tender and have released a syrupy juice.
- Step 5: Assemble and Serve: Let the roasted strawberries cool slightly to room temperature. Serve the scoops of cold Lime Basil Ice Cream topped with the warm, syrupy roasted strawberries and their accumulated juices.
Notes
- Store the finished ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer (not the door) using an airtight container layered with parchment on top for the best texture and flavor preservation.
- If the roasted strawberries were made ahead and refrigerated, gently warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to enhance the beautiful contrast with the cold ice cream.
- For an elevated presentation and flavor boost, scatter a few finely chiffonaded fresh basil leaves over the assembled dessert just before serving.
- For the most vibrant flavor, ensure the ice cream base is completely chilled—preferably overnight—before churning, as this yields a creamier, lower-ice-crystal result.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American