Beer Ice Cream
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Beer ice cream? Yep, you heard that right. And we aren't talking about an ice cream float using beer. This beer ice cream combines the creaminess of the sweet treat and flavor of beer and trust us, it's delicious!
Usually, we opt for more usual flavors, like our delicious strawberry ice cream, but this beer ice cream is a wonderful and unique treat. Try other unique ice cream flavors, like tonka bean ice cream and matcha ice cream.
Table of contents
Who would have thought that beer and ice cream pair well together? But really, they do! Beer that has sweeter notes or a malt flavor work best for this recipe as they complement the creamy, sweetness of ice cream. This sweet treat will satisfy any craft beer fans in your life, or anyone who simply enjoys a cold, ice cream treat! That said, sorry kids, this one's for the adults!
This ice cream comes together in 30 minutes but will need 4 hours total time to cool and freeze. Your best bet is to make it ahead of time and enjoy it during that backyard BBQ or game night.
What type of beer should I use to make ice cream?
The best bet for beer ice cream is a beer that's sweet and malty. This recipe calls for a “dark, malty beer” which can be any variety including, stouts, brown or amber beers. You can use a beer that has other complementary flavors that would add to your ice cream; for instance, this recipe was tested using a maple bacon beer – and what's not to love about that combination!
What's malt?
Malt is made from barley and gives a taste that's nutty, almost caramel-like. Sometimes malt can also be described as tasting like coffee or dried dark fruits, like raisins. This is why malty beers work well for this recipe as they add this rich flavor profile. If you're unsure of whether the beer you're using is “malty”, usually malty beers range in color from copper to dark brown.
Ingredients needed
- Dark, malty beer: A stout or porter is the perfect beer for this ice cream. Make sure to avoid anything hoppy like an IPA.
- Egg yolks: are a must for a good ice cream recipe. They add a creamy texture.
- Whipping cream: This adds body and creaminess to the ice cream. You need the fat content from whipping cream to make a beautiful ice cream – don't skimp on the fat here.
- Sugar: granulated sugar is best, however, you can use brown sugar to add even more malt flavor here. Brown sugar may slightly darken the color of the ice cream.
- Sea salt: balances the flavors. Don't use table salt as it will taste overwhelming.
- Pure vanilla: acts as a flavor enhancer and balancer, and pairs nicely with the malt flavor of the beer.
- Toppings: These are optional, but do add to the fun factor! Crumbled pretzels, a drizzle of chocolate, or peanut butter would be dee-lish!
How to make beer ice cream
- Pour half of the beer into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer until the beer reduces by half.
- Whisk together the remaining ingredients (except vanilla) and cook on low heat, whisking frequently. This will form a custard. It should reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit, or be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the custard from the heat and add the remaining beer and vanilla to the mixture.
- Strain the mixture to remove any bits of cooked egg.
- Place the custard into the fridge and allow it to cool completely.
- Process the custard according to the directions given by your ice cream maker's manufacturer.
- Put the ice cream in a glass or metal container in the freezer for at least four hours.
The full recipe is in the recipe card below.
Recipe FAQs
Do I need an ice cream maker?
The easiest way to make this is in an ice cream maker. (We love our Cuisinart ice cream maker!) But you can make this using the no-churn method. Simply pour the cold custard into a shallow dish and put it into your freezer. Every half hour, take the dish out and use a fork to scrape and mix it around. It won't be quite as creamy, but it will taste just as good!
How long does beer ice cream keep in the freezer?
If stored in an airtight container, homemade ice cream will keep for up to one month in the freezer. But the flavor and texture are best if eaten within a week.
What kind of beer should use to make beer ice cream?
Choose a sweet, malty beer like a stout or porter.
Popular ice cream recipes
- Fresh mint chocolate chip ice cream
- Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream
- Salted caramel no-churn ice cream
Beer Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dark, malty beer
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
Instructions
- Pour half of the beer into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and simmer it until the beer reduces by half (to 3 ounces.) Remove it from the heat.12 ounces dark, malty beer
- In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk the egg yolks, whipping cream, sugar, and salt. Turn on the heat to medium-low and cook, whisking frequently, until a custard is formed. You want it at 180 degrees Fahrenheit, or thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.6 large egg yolks, 1 cup sugar, ½ teaspoon sea salt, 2 cups whipping cream
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the reduced beer, the remaining beer, and the vanilla. Stir to combine.1 teaspoon pure vanilla
- Strain the mixture into a clean bowl using a fine mesh strainer. (This will remove any bits of cooked egg.)
- Place the custard into the fridge and allow it to cool completely.
- Process the custard according to the directions given by your ice cream maker's manufacturer.
- Transfer the ice cream to a glass or metal container (plastic will often break in the freezer) and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our ice cream recipes!
