This Berry Crumble Ice Cream is a sweet treat packed with fruity flavors and crunchy bits. It combines creamy ice cream with your favorite berries, topped with a delicious crumble!
Who can resist ice cream that crunches? I sometimes use leftovers from my berry crumble and toss it in. Ice cream for breakfast? Yes, please! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are great together. If fresh isn’t available, frozen berries work just as well—just thaw and drain off excess liquid.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the berry compote. If you’re looking to cut back on added sugar, maple syrup or honey can replace some or all of the sugar, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is classic, but feel free to experiment with other flavors like coconut or even yogurt for a lighter option. The optional berry-flavored ice cream adds extra berry goodness if you can find it!
Crumble Topping: Digestive biscuits are perfect for a crunchy topping, but graham crackers or even crushed cookies work in a pinch. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cookies or oats.
Butter: If you’re looking for dairy-free options, coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute can do the trick without losing the crumble’s texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Crumble Topping is Perfectly Crunchy?
Creating a crunchy crumble is essential for a delightful texture contrast in your dessert. Here are some steps to get it right:
- Crush the biscuits or crackers to a coarse texture—too fine, and they won’t provide enough crunch.
- Mix the crumbs with melted butter evenly. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in an even layer. A uniform spread allows them to bake evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Watch them closely; once they turn golden brown, take them out to prevent burning.
How to Make Berry Crumble Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Berry Compote:
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Ice Cream Layers:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup blackcurrant or berry-flavored ice cream (optional for layering)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup crumble topping (made from crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for crumble)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert combines simple preparation and a bit of baking! You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep, another 10-12 minutes for baking the crumble topping, and ideally let everything chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, making the total time around 1 hour. But most of this time, you can relax while it cools!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Berry Compote:
In a small saucepan, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Place it on the stove over medium heat. Cook while stirring occasionally until the berries break down and the mixture becomes syrupy and thick. This should take about 10 minutes. Once done, set the compote aside to cool down.
2. Making the Crumble Topping:
While the compote cools, let’s prepare the crumble topping. Start by crushing the digestive biscuits or graham crackers into small crumbs. You can use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Next, mix these crumbs with the melted butter and brown sugar until they’re evenly coated. Spread this mixture out on a baking sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. After baking, let it cool completely.
3. Assembling the Dessert:
Now, it’s time to create your beautiful dessert! In serving cups or bowls, scoop in a generous portion of vanilla ice cream. If you’re using berry-flavored ice cream, add a scoop of that on top as well. Next, take your cooled berry compote and spoon it generously over or around the ice cream.
4. Adding the Crumble Topping:
Sprinkle a good amount of your tasty crumble topping over the ice cream and berry compote. The crunchiness of the crumble adds a delightful texture contrast!
5. Optional Garnish:
If you’d like to make it look even more appealing, you can add a few fresh berries on top as a garnish. They add a nice pop of color and a freshness that really enhances the dessert.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Berry Crumble Ice Cream immediately for a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines creamy ice cream, sweet-tart berries, and crunchy crumble. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Berries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen berries can work just as well as fresh. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery compote.
How Do I Store Leftover Berry Crumble Ice Cream?
For best quality, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best to enjoy it within a few days, as the crumble may lose its crunch over time.
Can I Make the Crumble Topping in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week until you’re ready to use it. Just be sure to crisp it up in the oven for a few minutes before serving if it softens.
What Other Ice Cream Flavors Can I Use?
While vanilla is classic, you can really get creative! Try chocolate, strawberry, or even yogurt for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that stronger flavors may alter the overall taste of your dessert.
