There’s a certain joy that comes from transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. One stroll through my kitchen often leads to delightful surprises, and today, that surprise is salted brown butter sourdough ice cream. As I whisk together the nutty aroma of caramelized butter with the tangy essence of sourdough starter, I’m reminded that homemade treats can reignite a sense of wonder, especially when fast food feels all too familiar.
This recipe perfectly marries the comforting flavors of classic desserts with a twist that makes your taste buds dance. The creamy texture, enhanced by the savory bite of browned butter and the unique flavor of sourdough, creates a dessert that’s rich yet refreshingly unique. Whether you’re indulging after a long day or impressing friends at a gathering, this delightful ice cream is bound to become a cherished staple in your recipe repertoire. So grab your ice cream maker, and let’s embark on a delicious adventure that turns pantry staples into a refreshing scoop of bliss!
Why is Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream a Must-Try?
Uniqueness: This isn’t your average ice cream; the combination of sourdough starter and salted brown butter gives it a depth of flavor that’s simply extraordinary.
Creamy Indulgence: With a luscious texture that rivals store-bought options, each scoop melts perfectly in your mouth, offering a luxurious treat.
Effortless Appeal: Quick to prepare and even easier to serve, it makes dessert a breeze, whether it’s a casual family night or an elegant dinner party.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Friends and family will be talking about this one-of-a-kind dessert long after the last scoop is gone.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a soft-serve treat or let it firm up for a more traditional experience—either way, it’s delightful!
Don’t forget to check out my tips on how to make sourdough recipes to fully embrace your baking journey!
Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream Ingredients
For the Base
• Unsalted butter – use high-quality butter for a richer flavor that enhances the brown butter’s nuttiness.
• Heavy cream – this adds luxurious creaminess to the ice cream, making each bite delightful.
• Whole milk – helps achieve the perfect softness and scoopability in your salted brown butter sourdough ice cream.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens the base without overpowering the other flavors, balancing the tang of the sourdough.
• Sourdough starter discard – adds a unique tang and depth to the flavor, making this ice cream truly one-of-a-kind.
• Vanilla extract – enriches the overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic sweetness.
• Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt – a pinch can elevate the flavors, enhancing the delightful contrast between sweet and savory.
This simple yet exquisite lineup of ingredients promises a scoop of ice cream that turns ordinary moments into pure bliss!
How to Make Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream
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Prepare the Ice Cream Machine: Freeze the bowl of your ice cream machine for at least 24 hours ahead of time. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly creamy texture.
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Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously until the milk solids turn a deep golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Transfer to a bowl immediately to avoid burning.
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Mix the Base: Rinse the saucepan and return it to the heat. Add the browned butter, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, sourdough starter discard, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together, then heat until it reaches 160-165°F, ensuring it’s well combined.
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Cool the Mixture: Pour the ice cream base into a bowl and refrigerate until it cools to 40°F, stirring occasionally. This may take about 20-30 minutes, but it’s well worth the wait!
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Churn the Ice Cream: Once cooled, pour the base into your ice cream machine and churn for 15-20 minutes. You’re aiming for a thick, creamy texture that resembles soft serve.
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Freeze for Firmness: For a soft-serve style, enjoy your creation immediately! If you prefer firmer ice cream, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 12-24 hours until solid.
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream Variations
Looking to put your own twist on this delightful treat? There are endless possibilities to customize your ice cream adventure!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
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Chocolate Swirl: Fold in melted chocolate or chocolate chips before churning for a rich, indulgent experience.
Imagine every scoop revealing ribbons of chocolate intertwining with the creamy base—pure bliss! -
Fruit Fusion: Incorporate pureed strawberries or raspberries to balance the richness with fresh fruitiness.
This blend not only brightens the dish but also adds a vibrant color contrasting the creamy white ice cream. -
Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor profile that dazzles the senses.
A touch of spice can transform your frozen treat into an inviting dessert perfect for chilly evenings. -
Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk for a rich, vegan-friendly version.
The coconut milk offers a subtly sweet flavor and a creamy consistency that complements the browned butter beautifully. -
Savory Twist: Experiment with a hint of lavender or rosemary for a sophisticated flair that will surprise your palate.
These unique flavors lend an elegant touch, making your homemade ice cream stand out at any gathering. -
Add Some Heat: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for an unexpected kick that pairs well with the sweetness.
Just a dash can ignite a delightful contrast that leaves your taste buds tingling with surprise! -
Caramel Bliss: Drizzle some caramel sauce during the last moments of churning to create a luscious salted caramel blend.
Each mouthful will reveal sweet pockets of gooey caramel that harmonize beautifully with the creamy ice cream.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a truly personalized salted brown butter sourdough ice cream that’s uniquely yours!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream
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Room Temperature: Ice cream should never be left out at room temperature for more than 30 minutes, as it can quickly melt and lose its creamy texture.
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Fridge: If you plan to consume it within 3 days, you can store the salted brown butter sourdough ice cream in the fridge. Just make sure it’s sealed in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: For longer storage, keep the ice cream in a freezer-safe container. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Press a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals.
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Reheating: If frozen solid, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to make scooping easier. Enjoy it straight from the freezer for the best texture!
Expert Tips for Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream
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Butter Perfection: Never rush browning the butter; patience is key. This step develops the rich, nutty flavor essential to your salted brown butter sourdough ice cream.
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Keep It Cold: Ensure your ice cream machine bowl is ultra-frozen. If it’s not cold enough, your mixture won’t churn properly and may result in a grainy texture.
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Cooling Time: After heating the ice cream base, take the time to chill it well. This step helps achieve a smooth texture, so don’t skip it!
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Taste Testing: Always taste the mixture before churning. If it needs more sweetness, feel free to adjust the sugar slightly to suit your palate.
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Storage Tips: When storing in the freezer, place a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
These expert tips will elevate your salted brown butter sourdough ice cream experience!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream treats are perfect for those who love to save time without compromising flavor! You can prepare the ice cream base up to 3 days in advance, refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain its rich, creamy texture. Simply brown the butter, mix it with the other ingredients, and refrigerate until you’re ready to churn. The frozen bowl of your ice cream machine should be prepared 24 hours ahead for best results. When you’re ready to serve, simply churn the chilled mixture, and freeze it for an additional 12-24 hours for that perfect firm scoop. This way, you can impress guests or treat your family with minimal last-minute effort while ensuring each scoop is just as delicious!
What to Serve with Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream?
Imagine creating a delightful dessert spread that brightens up any occasion, making every bite of ice cream even more heavenly.
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Warm Chocolate Brownies: The fudgy richness of warm brownies pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the ice cream, making for a delicious contrast.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of vibrant strawberries and blueberries add a refreshing brightness that balances the richness of your homemade treat.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a warm, gooey caramel sauce on top enhances the flavors, taking your salted brown butter sourdough ice cream to a whole new level.
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Crispy Waffle Cones: Serve it in a freshly made waffle cone for added crunch and a great way to enjoy every last scoop.
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Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling on some toasted pecans or walnuts introduces a lovely crunch along with the nutty flavors of the brown butter.
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Espresso: A shot of espresso creates a delightful flavor combination, complementing the sweetness of the ice cream while providing a lovely caffeine kick.
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Homemade Cookies: Pair with warm chocolate chip cookies for the ultimate dessert sandwich; each bite will melt in your mouth, offering divine indulgence.
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Mint Leaves: A touch of fresh mint adds a refreshing contrast, uplifting the flavors of the salted brown butter with each chilled scoop.
These pairings will beautifully elevate your dessert experience, ensuring every bite of your salted brown butter sourdough ice cream is unforgettable!
Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream Recipe FAQs
What type of sourdough starter should I use?
You can use any sourdough starter discard that you have on hand. It’s important that it’s active, but using an older discard works great as well. The tangy flavor really enhances the overall taste of the ice cream!
How should I store leftover ice cream?
To store your salted brown butter sourdough ice cream, place it in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last up to 2 months while retaining its delicious flavor. For best results, lay a piece of parchment paper on the surface before sealing it; this helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
Can I freeze the ice cream base?
Yes! If you’d like to prepare the base ahead of time, you can freeze it before churning. Just make sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before churning it in your ice cream machine to ensure a smooth texture.
What if my ice cream feels too icy or grainy?
If your salted brown butter sourdough ice cream turns out icy or grainy, this usually means that the mixture wasn’t chilled long enough before churning or your ice cream machine wasn’t cold enough. For the best results, ensure the base is thoroughly chilled to 40°F and that the machine’s bowl is frozen solid for at least 24 hours before use.
Is this ice cream safe for those with dairy allergies?
This recipe contains dairy, so it is not suitable for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. However, you could experiment with dairy-free alternatives, like full-fat coconut milk and vegan butter, to make a creamy, allergy-friendly version!
How long does the ice cream take to firm up in the freezer?
For the best texture, after churning, transfer the salted brown butter sourdough ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for 12-24 hours. This allows it to develop a firmer consistency perfect for scooping!
Indulge in Salted Brown Butter Sourdough Ice Cream Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Ice Cream Machine: Freeze the bowl of your ice cream machine for at least 24 hours ahead of time.
- Brown the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it turns deep golden brown.
- Mix the Base: Return the saucepan to heat, add browned butter and other ingredients, whisk, and heat until 160-165°F.
- Cool the Mixture: Refrigerate the ice cream base until it cools to 40°F.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the base into your ice cream machine and churn for 15-20 minutes.
- Freeze for Firmness: Enjoy immediately as soft serve or transfer to a container to firm up in freezer for 12-24 hours.