Nutella ice cream with raisins

Nutella raisin ice cream is such a creamy and flavorful delight that it will enchant your taste buds and quickly become one of your favorites. This recipe is perfect for warm summer days or for moments when you want to indulge in a decadent dessert without using eggs or an ice cream maker. Get ready to discover a simple and flavorful way to create homemade ice cream that will surely leave an unforgettable impression.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: approximately 3 hours (with occasional stirring)
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 350 g Nutella
- 1 heaping tablespoon of honey
- 40 g sugar
- 10 g cornstarch
- 460 g milk (preferably whole for a creamier texture)
- 200 g whipped cream (heavy cream)
- 100 g raisins (your preferences may include golden or black raisins)
- 1-2 tablespoons of brandy (optional, for an extra flavor)

Preparing the ice cream:

1. Preparing the base mixture: In a medium saucepan, dissolve the cornstarch in cold milk. Make sure there are no lumps by stirring well. Add the sugar and place the saucepan over low heat. Continue to stir constantly.

2. Boiling the mixture: Once the mixture starts to boil, let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring continuously. This process will help activate the cornstarch, which will thicken the cream.

3. Adding Nutella: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the Nutella and honey. Stir well until the Nutella is completely integrated into the milk cream. You will notice how it transforms into a silky and aromatic composition.

4. Cooling the mixture: Allow the cream to cool completely. You can speed up the process by placing the saucepan in cold water or in the freezer for a few minutes, but be careful not to let it freeze.

5. Preparing the whipped cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cream until it becomes creamy, but do not overbeat it - we want to maintain an airy texture. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella cream using a spatula to avoid losing air.

6. Freezing the ice cream: Transfer the mixture to the container where you will freeze the ice cream. Place it in the freezer and wait for about 40 minutes.

7. Intermediate stirring: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and stir well with a fork or hand mixer to break up any ice crystals that have formed. Repeat this process 3 times at 40-minute intervals.

8. Adding the raisins: Before leaving the ice cream in the freezer for the final time, add the raisins. Previously, soak the raisins in water mixed with brandy for 15 minutes, then drain them well. They will add a flavorful note and an interesting texture to your ice cream.

9. Finalizing the freezing: Put the ice cream back in the freezer and let it firm up well, preferably for a few hours or overnight.

10. Serving: When the ice cream is ready, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. You can serve the Nutella raisin ice cream in a bowl or on a cone, perhaps with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh fruit for an extra touch of aesthetics and flavor.

Practical tips and tricks:

- Quality ingredients:
Make sure to use high-quality Nutella, as it will influence the final taste of the ice cream. Also, choose a heavy cream for a creamier result.

- Proper mixing:
Stirring during freezing is crucial to achieving a smooth ice cream without ice crystals. Do not skip this step!

- Variations:
You can experiment with other ingredients, such as roasted nuts or chopped dark chocolate, to add extra texture. Additionally, replacing raisins with dried cherries or banana pieces can offer another dimension of flavor.

Nutritional information:
This Nutella raisin ice cream is certainly an indulgent dessert, but it also offers benefits. Nutella contains nuts, which are a good source of healthy fats, and raisins provide fiber and antioxidants. A serving of this ice cream contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used and the portion size.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of chocolate instead of Nutella?
Of course! You can use a sugar-free chocolate spread or another type of chocolate cream, but the final taste will change.

- How can I make the ice cream healthier?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a low-sugar Nutella. Additionally, you can replace the cream with a healthier option, such as Greek yogurt.

- Can the ice cream be frozen for a longer time?
Yes, the ice cream can be stored in the freezer for a few weeks, but make sure it is well covered to avoid excessive freezing.

Nutella raisin ice cream is a dessert that brings together comfort and flavor, perfect for enjoying in the company of loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will bring you many smiles and unforgettable moments! Savor every spoonful and enjoy the magic of cooking at home!