Name: Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream for Refreshing Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 275 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Fresh Strawberries (Ripe and sweet); 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Or coconut sugar); 1 tablespoon Lime Zest (Fresh is best); 2 cups Heavy Cream (Substitute with coconut cream for vegan); 1 cup Milk (Almond or oat milk for vegan); 4 large Egg Yolks (Substitute with silken tofu for vegan); 1 cup Fresh Basil (Chopped, Thai basil adds flavor); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Pure for best flavor); 1 4 Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed for optimal flavor)

As the sun begins to warm up the days, I’ve found myself drawn to fresh and vibrant flavors that truly capture the essence of summer. There’s something magical about the combination of roasted strawberries and lime basil that transforms a simple dessert into an extraordinary experience. With my all-time favorite Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream, you can indulge in a delightful treat that’s not only mind-blowingly delicious but also vegan-friendly! You’ll be thrilled with how easy it is to whip up this creamy, refreshing ice cream that highlights seasonal fruits and herbs. Plus, it’s an impressive crowd-pleaser for those warm evenings when you want to make a statement without spending hours in the kitchen. Are you ready to elevate your summer gatherings with a scoop of pure joy? Let’s get started!

Why is This Ice Cream So Special?

Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients: Bursting with flavor, the roasted strawberries mingle beautifully with tangy lime and aromatic basil, creating a truly gourmet experience.
Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy a rich, creamy treat without dairy; simply swap in coconut cream and alternative milks for a delightful vegan option.
Simple Steps: With straightforward instructions, you can master this refreshing ice cream in no time and impress friends and family.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether served in waffle cones or over warm shortcakes, this ice cream is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering. For more sweet inspirations, try our Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries.
Versatile Variations: Mix it up with mint or a blend of berries—this recipe is just the beginning of delicious possibilities!

Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream Ingredients

For the Strawberries

Strawberries – Fresh, ripe strawberries are essential for the natural sweetness and flavor base of your ice cream.
Granulated Sugar – Enhances the strawberries’ sweetness while aiding in their caramelization; consider coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
Lime Zest – Adds a bright, zesty punch; fresh lime is best, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

For the Ice Cream Base

Heavy Cream – Creates that rich, creamy texture; substitute with coconut cream for a luscious dairy-free option.
Milk – Balances the heavy cream’s richness; choose almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly twist.
Egg Yolks – Formulates a custard base giving creaminess; for a vegan version, opt for silken tofu or commercial egg replacer.
Fresh Basil – Infuses the ice cream with aromatic herbal notes; Thai basil offers a delightful twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; pure vanilla extract provides the best taste.
Lime Juice – Brightens and adds acidity; fresh juice is recommended for optimal flavor.

Feel free to gather these ingredients and embark on this delicious journey of making Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream—your tastebuds will thank you!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will create the perfect environment for roasting, allowing the strawberries to caramelize and enhance their natural sweetness. While the oven heats up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring an easy cleanup later on.

Step 2: Roast the Strawberries
Arrange fresh, ripe strawberries on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spread out to avoid overcrowding. Sprinkle granulated sugar and lime zest evenly over the berries for added sweetness and brightness. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the strawberries are soft and caramelized. Once done, let them cool before blending into a smooth puree.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and half of the sugar, then heat over medium-low heat. Stir gently and watch closely, ensuring the mixture warms without boiling. This step is key for creating a rich base for your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream, providing that creamy texture you’ll love.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture turns pale and slightly thickened. Slowly add a ladle of the warm cream to the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This gradual process, known as tempering, prevents curdling and ensures a smooth custard-like base once returned to the saucepan.

Step 5: Cook the Custard Base
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream, then cook over low heat, stirring frequently. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this should take about 5-8 minutes. Once thickened, remove the pan from heat without letting it boil to maintain creamy consistency.

Step 6: Infuse with Basil
After removing from the heat, stir in freshly chopped basil leaves, allowing them to steep for about 15 minutes. This step infuses your mixture with fragrant herbal notes that perfectly complement the sweet roasted strawberries. Once steeped, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the basil leaves for a silky smooth base.

Step 7: Combine the Flavors
In a large bowl, mix the cooled strawberry puree with the strained custard base. Add fresh lime juice, lime zest, and a splash of vanilla extract, gently stirring until all flavors are well incorporated. This is where your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream transforms into a delightful harmony of sweet and tangy notes.

Step 8: Chill the Mixture
Cover the mixture and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or until thoroughly cold. Chilling is essential, as it enhances the flavors and prepares the base for churning, creating a smoother texture in your finished ice cream.

Step 9: Churn the Ice Cream
Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Churn until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually around 20-30 minutes. The churning process incorporates air, giving your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream its light and creamy texture.

Step 10: Freeze to Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container, ensuring it’s packed tightly to reduce air exposure. Cover the surface with parchment paper to prevent ice crystals from forming, then freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm. This final step is crucial for achieving that perfectly scoopable ice cream consistency you desire.

What to Serve with Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream

Elevate your experience with delightful pairings that enhance the fruity, creamy bliss of this summer indulgence.

Warm Shortcakes: These buttery delights provide a comforting, flaky contrast to the cool, creamy ice cream, making each bite a celebration of textures.
Crispy Waffle Cones: The crunchy texture of waffle cones adds a delightful crunch, perfectly complementing the smoothness of the ice cream and enhancing the eating experience.
Fresh Mint Sprigs: A simple garnish of mint not only adds color but also brings a refreshing herbaceous note that mirrors the ice cream’s lime basil flavor, enhancing its vibrancy.
Chilled Sparkling Wine: The brightness of sparkling wine cuts through the creaminess, adding an elegant touch to your dessert while enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Chocolate Drizzle: A rich, dark chocolate sauce drizzled over the ice cream brings decadent sweetness, making it an irresistible combination that tantalizes the taste buds.
Fruit Salad: A bowl of light, seasonal fruits like kiwi and pineapple introduces a refreshing contrast while balancing the richness of the ice cream.
Lime Basil Spritzer: A refreshing drink made with lime juice, basil, and sparkling water adds an extra layer of citrusy goodness that pairs beautifully with every creamy scoop.

These complementing treats will ensure your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream shines even brighter at any gathering!

Expert Tips for Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe strawberries enhance the flavor and sweetness. Frozen strawberries can alter the texture, so opt for fresh when possible.
Mind the Heat: Avoid boiling the cream mixture to prevent curdling. Keep the heat on low while gently warming to maintain a smooth, creamy base.
Strain Thoroughly: After infusing the basil, strain the mixture well to remove any bits and achieve a silky texture in your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream.
Chill Completely: Let the base chill for at least 4 hours. This step firms the flavors and ensures a better texture once churned.
Pack Tightly: When freezing, transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and press down to eliminate air pockets to prevent ice crystal formation.
Serve Creatively: Elevate your servings by pairing the ice cream with warm desserts or fresh fruits, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

How to Store and Freeze Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream

Airtight Container: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and prevent freezer burn. This will keep your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream fresh and delicious.

Freezer: Store the ice cream in the freezer for up to two weeks. For best quality and flavor, it’s recommended to consume it within this timeframe.

Covering: Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. This prevents ice crystals from forming, ensuring a smooth scoop every time.

Reheating: If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This will soften it to the perfect consistency.

Make Ahead Options

These Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can roast the strawberries and prepare the ice cream base up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply roast the strawberries, let them cool, and blend them into a puree. Store the puree and the prepared custard mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, mix the chilled ingredients and churn in your ice cream maker. This way, you’ll enjoy a deliciously creamy dessert with minimal effort, ready to impress your guests without the last-minute rush!

Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will let you customize this refreshing treat to your taste!

Minty Fresh: Swap basil for fresh mint for a vibrant, cooling flavor. Mint gives a refreshing kick that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Mixed Berry Bliss: Use a blend of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a mixed berry version. The combination not only enhances flavor but also adds a beautiful burst of color!
Zesty Lemon: Replace lime with lemon juice and zest for a bright citrus profile. Lemon’s tartness brings a lovely zing and pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of roasted strawberries.
Creamy Coconut: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a tropical vegan twist. This creamy base will augment the ice cream’s richness while keeping it dairy-free.
Choco-Lime Swirl: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate when mixing in the strawberry puree. The rich chocolate and vibrant lime create a decadent experience.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat. It’s a fun contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries that will keep your guests guessing!
Gourmet Garnish: Elevate your ice cream with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or walnuts as a topping for added crunch and flavor. It adds a delightful texture and a nutty harmony to your creamy ice cream.
Savory Twist: Try infusing the cream base with a hint of black pepper or a dash of balsamic vinegar beforehand. This can create an intriguing depth of flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the strawberries in a gourmet fashion.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Consider pairing your ice cream with our delightful Broccoli Chicken Penne for a lovely balance of savory and sweet!

Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting strawberries?
Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, opt for fresh, ripe berries with bright red color and a natural shine. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly soft, as these might be past their prime. The best strawberries will have a sweet aroma, indicating their peak ripeness.

How do I store leftover ice cream?
Very! To keep your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream fresh, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. For optimal flavor and texture, consume it within two weeks. It’s essential to place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing—it helps prevent ice crystals from forming!

Can I freeze the ice cream for an extended period?
Yes! You can freeze your Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream for up to 3 months. However, to maintain the best quality, make sure the ice cream is tightly packed in an airtight container and use parchment on the surface to ward off freezer burn. Just remember that the longer it sits, the more the texture may change.

What can I do if my ice cream doesn’t churn properly?
Don’t worry; there are solutions! If your ice cream is too hard to churn, ensure that the base was properly chilled for at least 4 hours and had enough time to cool before churning. If it still doesn’t reach a soft-serve consistency, you could add a splash of milk or cream during the churning to help ease it into the right texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies?
Absolutely! This Roasted Strawberries & Lime Basil Ice Cream can easily become vegan-friendly with simple substitutions. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and opt for a commercial egg replacer or silken tofu for the egg yolks. Enjoy a delicious dessert that everyone can share!

How can I tell if my strawberries are ripe enough?
Look for berries that are vibrant red, firm but slightly soft to the touch, and have a sweet fragrance. Avoid those with green patches or signs of mold. For the best results, choose strawberries that are in-season for your region, as they will have optimal sweetness and flavor!