Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream

Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream is a delightful frozen treat that harmoniously combines the rich creaminess of cashews with the vibrant sweetness of strawberries. This recipe is an excellent choice for those who desire a dairy-free dessert without sacrificing flavor or texture. The luscious ice cream is perfect for warm days, family gatherings, or anytime you want to indulge in something cool and refreshing. With its appealing pink hue and sweet, fruity flavor, this dessert is unique and a visual delight, making it not just a treat but also a showpiece for your table.

The beauty of Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream lies in its simplicity and the natural ingredients that make it both wholesome and satisfying. Cashews create a creamy base that mimics traditional ice cream, while the crushed strawberries and cookie bits provide delightful bursts of flavor. This recipe is also a great way to use fresh berries when they are in season, adding an extra touch of freshness to each scoop.

Whether you’re enjoying a sunny day in the backyard or sitting cozily on your couch for movie night, this ice cream will surely become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients about Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream

List of ingredients with measurements

To prepare your own Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 quart diced strawberries (about 3 1/2 cups)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (divided)
• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (about 8 ounces)
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond, oat, or cashew milk
• 3/4 cup cold coconut cream
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 golden sandwich cookies (crushed plus more for serving)

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you want to customize this recipe, consider these substitutions:

• Instead of granulated sugar, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a natural sweetener.
• For nut allergies, opt for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of cashews—just ensure they are soaked similarly to achieve creaminess.
• Swap out coconut cream for any other plant-based cream if preferred, such as soy cream or cashew cream.
• You might add fresh mint leaves or a touch of almond extract for an extra flavor twist.

How to Make Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream

Step 1: Cooking the strawberries

Start by preparing the strawberry puree. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the diced strawberries and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the strawberries gently. This will allow the sweet juices to release into the mixture. Keep stirring for about one minute until everything heats up. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, let it bubble away while occasionally stirring for 7 to 9 minutes. You want the mixture to thicken to a sauce-like consistency.

Step 2: Creating the puree

Remove the saucepan from heat. Here, you’ll add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cooked strawberries. This will brighten the flavors of the sauce. To achieve a smoother texture for the ice cream, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve set over a heatproof bowl. Press down on the solids to extract every last bit of juice and strawberry puree. You should end up with about 1/2 cup of this delightful strawberry puree. Set this aside to refrigerate until completely cool, approximately one hour.

Step 3: Preparing the cashew mixture

While the strawberry puree cools, it’s time to prepare the creamy base. In a large heatproof bowl, cover the raw cashews with boiling water. Ensure that the water is deep enough to submerge the cashews by about one inch. Let them soak for about 30 minutes. This soaking time helps soften the cashews so they blend into a creamy consistency later.

After 30 minutes, drain the cashews and add them to a blender. Along with the cashews, pour in 1 1/4 cups of almond, oat, or cashew milk, 3/4 cup cold coconut cream, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar along with the last teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend everything on high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Freezing the mixture

Once your cashew mixture is ready, pour it into an 8 by 8 inch baking dish. Fold in the crushed golden sandwich cookies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Next, drizzle the cooled strawberry puree over the top of the cashew mixture. You don’t need to stir it in, as this will create a lovely swirled effect when frozen. Cover the baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Allow it to freeze until firm, which takes at least 6 hours or can be made overnight for the best results.

Step 5: Serving the ice cream

When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious homemade ice cream, take it out of the freezer. Allow it to soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make scooping easier. Serve the ice cream in bowls or cones topped with more crushed cookies for an added crunch and extra flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream

Best ways to serve Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream

Serving Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream is a delightful experience. You can dish it into bowls for a classic presentation or use waffle cones for a fun, hand-held treat. Garnishing with fresh strawberry slices or sprigs of mint can brighten the appearance, making it even more inviting. Additionally, serving this ice cream alongside warm desserts, such as brownies or pies, creates a delightful contrast of temperatures that your guests will love.

Serving suggestions or pairings

For an extra special twist, consider pairing this ice cream with fruity sauces, such as chocolate sauce or a drizzle of homemade strawberry coulis. You could also serve it alongside a platter of fresh fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, to enhance the seasonal theme. A sprig of mint can add visual appeal, making every bowl look like a gourmet dessert from a fine dining restaurant.

How to Store Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream

Proper storage methods

To keep your Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. After freezing, make sure the ice cream is covered well to avoid freezer burn. Use an airtight container and seal it tightly. If you used a baking dish, you can cover it with a layer of plastic wrap followed by a lid to provide an additional barrier against air.

Tips for reheating or freezing

When it comes time to serve it again, make sure to allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help it soften up and make scooping easier. If you notice the ice cream becoming too hard after being frozen for a while, you can gently run a spoon under warm water to slightly warm the scoop. This careful approach will prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly while still allowing for easy serving.

Tips to Make Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream

Common mistakes to avoid

A few common pitfalls can occur while making Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream. First, don’t skimp on soaking the cashews. If they are not softened enough, your ice cream may turn out gritty instead of creamy. Second, ensure you let the strawberry puree cool completely before adding it to the cashew mixture. Adding hot ingredients can affect the final texture and flavor of the ice cream. Finally, when adding the cookies, be careful not to stir too much. This can lead to a less desirable texture when frozen.

Helpful tips for better results

For the best results, always use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, ripe strawberries will enhance the flavor and natural sweetness of your ice cream. If possible, use fresh cashews rather than pre-roasted or salted ones to avoid any unwanted flavors. Additionally, if you have the time, let the finished ice cream freeze overnight for a creamier texture. This allows all flavors to meld perfectly, leading to a smoother experience when you take that first scoop.

Variation of Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

If you want to switch things up with your Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream, consider adding other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even a swirl of mango puree for a tropical twist. A sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios can add an interesting crunch, while chocolate chips can appeal to any chocolate lover. You can also create a more complex flavor by incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is already dairy-free and can be nut-free with the right substitutions, as mentioned earlier. To make it sugar-free, you can experiment with sugar alternatives like stevia or erythritol, although the texture may vary slightly. Always ensure to check ingredient labels for safe substitutions that meet your dietary requirements.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream isn’t turning out as expected, don’t worry! If it seems too icy or hard, it may need a little more time to soften before serving. If the mixture is too gritty, make sure you have soaked the cashews sufficiently. Finally, if you’ve added too much water when soaking the cashews, it can impact the texture, so try blending for longer to achieve creaminess.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream benefits from being made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. You can freeze it for up to two weeks without any compromise on flavor or texture. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, as it will harden in the freezer.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

There are various substitutions available depending on your dietary needs. For the cashews, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to make the ice cream nut-free. If you don’t have coconut cream, you can substitute with full-fat coconut milk or any plant-based cream. For sweeteners, honey, agave, or maple syrup can work in place of granulated sugar.

Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream is a fantastic, simple dessert that anyone can make at home. With a few fresh ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a delightful treat ready to impress family and friends. Enjoy this refreshing treat on a sunny day or as a sweet indulgence, and savor the creamy goodness that is sure to bring smiles all around!

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