Homemade Buttermilk Ice Cream: Your New Favorite Tangy, Creamy Dessert Pairing

If you’re like many home cooks, you’ve probably found yourself with a half-empty carton of buttermilk lingering in the fridge after making a batch of fluffy pancakes or crispy fried chicken. While buttermilk is a star in many savory and baked goods, finding creative ways to use up the remainder can sometimes be a challenge. You might be tempted to use the classic milk and vinegar hack for future recipes, but let’s be honest, nothing truly compares to the authentic tang and richness of real buttermilk, especially for dishes where it’s a key player, like a classic ranch dressing. But what if that leftover buttermilk held the key to an entirely new and exciting dessert?

What if I told you that this seemingly ordinary leftover ingredient holds the secret to crafting one of the most exquisite and surprisingly delicious ice creams you’ll ever taste? Prepare to have your perceptions of homemade ice cream completely transformed. Buttermilk ice cream might sound unconventional, perhaps even a tad unexciting at first blush. Yet, it possesses a unique charm that elevates it far beyond a simple dairy dessert, making it an absolute must-try for any adventurous home chef.

This isn’t just any ice cream; it’s a creamy, wonderfully tangy, and perfectly balanced treat that manages to be rich without being overly sweet. It’s the ideal counterpoint to intensely sweet desserts, cutting through the richness of a warm apple pie or a decadent peach cobbler with its refreshing zest. For someone like me, a self-proclaimed die-hard chocolate fan, for a buttermilk ice cream to even approach my top three favorite flavors is a testament to its exceptional quality and unique appeal. This ice cream doesn’t just complement desserts; it truly enhances them, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

The Unexpected Delight of Buttermilk Ice Cream: A Unique Flavor Profile

The idea of buttermilk ice cream might initially raise an eyebrow, but trust me, it’s a culinary revelation. Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional ice cream flavors. This is not your average vanilla or chocolate. Instead, it offers a sophisticated profile that’s both comforting and invigorating. The signature tang of buttermilk shines through, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy base. This delicate acidity is what truly sets it apart, preventing the ice cream from becoming cloyingly sweet, a common issue with many homemade varieties.

Buttermilk ice cream is incredibly versatile. It’s light enough to cleanse the palate after a rich meal, yet satisfying enough to stand on its own as a delightful treat for those who prefer less sugary options. Its smooth texture melts beautifully, releasing a complex blend of dairy notes with a bright, zesty finish. This makes it an ideal canvas for various garnishes, from fresh berries to a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of honey. It’s a flavor that invites exploration and experimentation, promising a pleasant surprise with every spoonful.

The Journey to Buttermilk Ice Cream: Inspired by Jeni’s Splendid Creations

My own journey to discovering the magic of buttermilk ice cream began with an exciting opportunity: reviewing a copy of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Desserts. For those unfamiliar, Jeni Britton Bauer is a true artisan in the world of ice cream, renowned for her innovative flavors and unique approach to ice cream making. To provide a comprehensive review of a cookbook dedicated to ice cream desserts, I felt compelled to make not one, but two recipes: a featured dessert and the specific ice cream designed to complement it. This particular project naturally led me to explore the nuances of this delightful Buttermilk Ice Cream.

As I meticulously browsed through the pages of Jeni’s cookbook, searching for the perfect pairing, the “Buttermilk Soft-Serve Ice Cream” recipe immediately captured my attention. While the original recipe was designed for a soft-serve consistency, Jeni thoughtfully notes that it can be allowed to harden for a more traditional, scoopable ice cream experience. This was perfect for my plan, as I envisioned generous scoops of this creamy creation gracing the top of delicate mini peach pies. The prospect of creating a gourmet dessert from scratch, inspired by such an acclaimed expert, was incredibly exciting and promised a rewarding culinary adventure.

The Science Behind the Splendor: Jeni’s Innovative Ice Cream Method

One of the most fascinating aspects of Jeni’s approach to ice cream is her departure from conventional methods. She doesn’t just offer recipes; she explains the why behind each ingredient and technique, transforming ice cream making into an accessible science. Her base is noticeably different from many traditional custard-style ice creams, which often rely heavily on egg yolks. These differences are precisely what contribute to its exceptional texture and flavor, setting her recipes apart and often resulting in a superior, more scoopable final product. Let’s delve into the two key ingredients that make her method so brilliant, especially in this buttermilk ice cream.

The Role of Cream Cheese: For a Richer Body and Velvety Smoothness

Firstly, Jeni incorporates cream cheese into her ice cream base. This might seem unconventional for an ice cream recipe, but it plays a crucial role. Cream cheese, when softened and blended into the base, adds a wonderful richness and an incredibly smooth, luxurious body to the finished ice cream. Without it, the ice cream tends to be a bit thinner, lacking that satisfying density and chewiness that makes a truly great scoop. The fat content and stabilizers in cream cheese help to create a more stable emulsion and contribute to a fantastic mouthfeel, preventing the ice cream from becoming overly icy. Furthermore, the cream cheese also contributes a subtle, tangy note, which harmonizes perfectly with the natural zest of the buttermilk, enhancing the overall flavor profile without being overpowering or making it taste like cheesecake.

Corn Syrup: The Secret to Smoothness, Less Icy Texture, and Balanced Sweetness

Secondly, Jeni utilizes corn syrup, not just for sweetness, but for its unique functional properties. Corn syrup is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains water molecules. In ice cream, this quality is invaluable as it helps to prevent the formation of large, undesirable ice crystals during the freezing process. These large crystals are often the culprit behind a grainy or icy texture in homemade ice cream. By inhibiting their growth, corn syrup ensures an incredibly smooth, almost ethereal texture that is a hallmark of Jeni’s creations.

Additionally, and this was a revelation to me, corn syrup helps in the binding process as the base cooks, contributing to a stable emulsion that results in a creamier product. Crucially, it allows for a less sweet ice cream compared to using an equivalent amount of granulated sugar alone. Granulated sugar provides a sharp, direct sweetness, while corn syrup offers a more mellow sweetness. This allows the nuanced, natural flavors of the buttermilk to shine through, rather than being masked by excessive sweetness, resulting in a perfectly balanced and sophisticated dessert.

I was genuinely impressed with the outcome of this ice cream. The texture was fantastic – remarkably easy to scoop straight from the freezer, unlike some other homemade ice creams that can turn rock-hard. This successful experiment has inspired me to adapt Jeni’s innovative methods and explore creating my own unique ice cream flavors, perhaps even with a tangy twist, building on the foundation she so brilliantly laid out. It’s truly a game-changer for homemade ice cream enthusiasts.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Dessert Experience

While utterly delicious on its own for those who appreciate a less-sweet dessert, Buttermilk Ice Cream truly shines when paired with other treats. Its subtle tang and creamy texture make it an extraordinary companion to desserts that are typically on the sweeter side. Think classic fruit pies, cobblers, crisps, or even a rich chocolate brownie. The ice cream’s refreshing acidity cuts through the sweetness and richness, creating a beautifully balanced flavor experience that prevents any single element from overpowering the palate.

Consider serving a generous scoop alongside a warm slice of homemade apple pie, a bubbling peach cobbler, or even a berry crisp. The contrast in temperature and flavor profile is simply divine. The cold, tangy creaminess perfectly complements the warm, spiced fruit fillings, elevating a simple dessert into something truly memorable. For those who typically shy away from overly sweet desserts, this ice cream is an absolute dream come true, offering a refreshing and sophisticated alternative. It’s also fantastic with fresh fruit, like sliced peaches or mixed berries, adding a creamy, tart dimension.

Enjoyed this recipe? Explore more delightful options with my other Small Batch Ice Cream Recipes to churn up at home.

The Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Ice Cream

Ready to try this extraordinary ice cream for yourself? Here’s the recipe, slightly adjusted from Jeni’s masterful creation, to help you transform that leftover buttermilk into a truly splendid dessert component. This recipe yields approximately one pint, making it perfect for small batches or for when you simply want to experiment with something new and exciting in your kitchen. Follow these steps carefully to achieve that perfect creamy, tangy consistency that will impress everyone.

Buttermilk Ice Cream

Yield:
1 pint

Buttermilk Ice Cream is a creamy and tangy yet not too sweet ice cream, making it the perfect companion for desserts like apple pie or peach cobbler.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons cream and cornstarch to make a smooth slurry.
2. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and salt until smooth.
3. In a large saucepan, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup cream, sugar, and corn syrup and bring to a boil. Boil for 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until slightly thickened, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat.
4. Gradually beat the hot cream mixture into the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk.
5. Pour the mixture into a 1-gallon freezer bag and seal. Submerge into an ice bath and chill until cold, about 30 minutes.
6. Once the mixture is cold, add to your ice cream maker and churn according to your ice cream maker’s directions. Once done, freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

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Source: Slightly adjusted from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Desserts (Amazon affiliate link)

Enhance Your Dessert Experience with These Perfect Pairings for Buttermilk Ice Cream

As we’ve discussed, Buttermilk Ice Cream is an unparalleled complement to a variety of desserts. Its bright, tangy profile and smooth texture make it an ideal partner for fruit-based pies, cobblers, and crisps. It provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, creating a more balanced and intriguing flavor profile. Here are some of my favorite recipes that truly sing when served alongside a scoop (or two!) of this delightful ice cream. Each of these offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that are beautifully rounded out by the creamy tang of buttermilk.

Cinnamon Pecan Cherry Pie
A classic dessert with a warm spice and nutty crunch, featuring sweet and tart cherries. This pie is perfectly balanced by the cool, refreshing tanginess of buttermilk ice cream, which cuts through its richness and enhances the fruit flavors.

Apple Dumpling Cobbler
Tender baked apples encased in a flaky pastry with a rich, sweet cobbler topping. The vibrant tanginess of buttermilk ice cream provides an exquisite counterpoint to the sweetness of the apples and the comforting warmth of the cobbler, making each spoonful a harmonious delight.

Mini Pear Walnut Crisps with Blood Orange Caramel Sauce
The subtle sweetness of baked pears and the earthy crunch of walnuts, all drizzled with a bright blood orange caramel. These individual crisps are beautifully enhanced when served with the creamy, tangy buttermilk ice cream, which balances the rich caramel and fruit flavors.

Peach and Cherry Gingerbread Cobbler
The comforting warmth of gingerbread spices combined with the juicy sweetness of peaches and tart cherries. This flavorful cobbler finds its perfect partner in the cool, zesty notes of buttermilk ice cream, creating a memorable contrast of warmth and coolness, sweetness and tang.

Conclusion: Discover the Delicious Potential of Buttermilk Ice Cream

In conclusion, Buttermilk Ice Cream is far more than just a clever way to use up leftovers; it’s a gourmet delight that deserves a permanent spot in your dessert repertoire. Its unique blend of creaminess, tanginess, and subtle sweetness makes it incredibly versatile, particularly as an accompaniment to richer, sweeter baked goods. It offers a refreshing departure from conventional ice cream flavors, proving that innovation in the kitchen can lead to truly remarkable results.

Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream maker or a curious beginner, embarking on this culinary adventure will open your eyes to the incredible potential of humble ingredients and innovative techniques. The insights gleaned from Jeni’s methodical approach will not only guide you in creating this specific recipe but will also empower you to experiment with your own ice cream creations, knowing the science behind what makes a perfect scoop.

So, the next time you find yourself with extra buttermilk, don’t relegate it to just baking. Take a leap of faith, churn up a batch of this remarkable ice cream, and prepare to be utterly charmed. It might just become your unexpected new favorite, proving that some of the best culinary surprises come from the most unassuming ingredients and a willingness to try something wonderfully different.