Go Back
Zesty Lime Basil Ice Cream with Roasted Strawberries Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Zesty Lime Basil Ice Cream with Roasted Strawberries Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this ice cream and how surprised I was by the flavor combo. It felt like summer in a bowl, bright, creamy, and slightly tangy. I never thought basil would belong in dessert, but it completely changed my mind.mThe roasted strawberries added a deep sweetness that balanced everything perfectly.
Total Time 7 hours
Servings: 6

Ingredients
  

  • fresh strawberries – 2 cups hulled and halved; use ripe berries for maximum natural sweetness and better roasting flavor
  • granulated sugar – 1/3 cup; helps caramelize strawberries while roasting and enhances their natural juices
  • fresh lime juice – 2 tablespoons; adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the cream
  • lime zest – 1 tablespoon; gives a strong citrus aroma that lifts the entire dessert
  • fresh basil leaves – 10–12 leaves; lightly bruised to release flavor without overpowering the ice cream
  • heavy cream – 2 cups; creates the rich creamy base essential for smooth ice cream texture
  • whole milk – 1 cup; balances the richness so the ice cream doesn’t become too heavy
  • egg yolks – 4 large; help create a custard base for a silky scoopable texture
  • vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon; enhances sweetness and rounds out the citrus and herb notes
  • pinch of salt – balances sweetness and deepens flavor

Method
 

  1. I start by preheating my oven and preparing the strawberries with sugar and a little lime juice. Roasting them slowly brings out their natural sweetness and creates a syrupy texture. Once soft and caramelized, I let them cool completely before blending into the base.
  2. I gently heat milk, cream, basil, and lime zest to infuse the flavors. In a separate bowl, I whisk egg yolks and sugar until smooth and pale. Then I slowly combine both mixtures to create a rich custard base.
  3. I cook the custard on low heat while stirring continuously to avoid curdling. The mixture gradually thickens into a silky texture that coats the back of a spoon. Once ready, I strain it to remove basil and any cooked egg bits.
  4. I cool the custard completely in the refrigerator before churning it. After that, I add roasted strawberries and churn until creamy and smooth. Finally, I freeze it until firm and scoopable, which takes a few hours.

Notes

  • I always roast strawberries until slightly caramelized—it deepens the flavor
  • I chill the custard overnight whenever possible for a smoother churn
  • I don’t overdo basil; too much can overpower the citrus notes
  • I strain the base properly to avoid any grainy texture
  • I add strawberries at the end of churning so they stay slightly chunky