Black Sesame Ice Cream (Print)

Smooth black sesame ice cream features roasted seeds and honey, creating a creamy, nutty frozen delight.

# Components:

→ Ice Cream Base

01 - 1 cup whole milk
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
04 - 4 large egg yolks
05 - Pinch of salt

→ Black Sesame Paste

06 - 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
07 - 2 tablespoons honey
08 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Decoration

09 - 12 candy eyes

# Directions:

01 - Toast black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until aromatic. Allow to cool, then grind into a fine powder using a food processor or spice grinder.
02 - Combine ground sesame seeds with honey and water in the processor. Blend until very smooth to create a paste. Set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, mix whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium flame until the mixture is just steaming, taking care not to let it boil.
04 - In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add about half of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper.
05 - Return the tempered yolk mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, measuring approximately 170°F.
06 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Strain custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to ensure smoothness. Incorporate heavy cream and the prepared black sesame paste, mixing thoroughly.
07 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours until completely chilled.
08 - Transfer the chilled mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's specifications until thick and creamy.
09 - Move churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until set and scoopable.
10 - Scoop ice cream into balls. Gently press two candy eyes onto each scoop just before serving for a playful touch.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses simple ingredients with a unique flavor twist
  • No complicated techniques
  • Gluten free and vegetarian friendly
  • Whimsical presentation makes it perfect for parties or special nights
02 -
  • High in healthy fats from sesame seeds
  • Freezes wonderfully for make-ahead desserts
  • Traditional Japanese flavors in a playful format
03 -
  • Always toast the sesame seeds fresh. This step transforms their flavor and gives the ice cream its smoky depth. I learned this the hard way when I tried pre-ground seeds—there is nothing like grinding your own after toasting
  • If you want extra smooth texture sift the sesame powder before adding honey and water. I sometimes let the custard chill overnight before churning for a richer result