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Molasses Ice Cream Recipe

Molasses Ice Cream Recipe

This homemade molasses ice cream is rich, creamy, and not overly sweet. I love the deep caramel flavor from molasses paired with smooth dairy for a comforting, old-fashioned dessert that’s easy to make at home.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Ice Cream
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Heavy cream Full-fat
  • 1 cup Whole milk Can use half & half
  • ¾ cup Molasses Dark or blackstrap
  • 3 large Egg yolks For custard base
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Optional
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt Balances flavor

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan Heavy-bottom works best
  • 1 Mixing bowl Heat-safe
  • 1 Whisk For smooth custard
  • 1 Fine mesh strainer Optional but helps texture
  • 1 Ice cream maker Frozen bowl ready
  • 1 Airtight container For freezing

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. I whisk the egg yolks and molasses together in a bowl until smooth and glossy, then set it aside.
    Molasses Ice Cream Recipe
Step 2:
  1. I add the heavy cream, whole milk, and salt to a saucepan and heat gently until steam forms and bubbles appear around the edges. I don’t let it boil.
    Molasses Ice Cream Recipe
Step 3:
  1. I slowly pour about half of the warm cream mixture into the egg-molasses mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    Molasses Ice Cream Recipe
Step 4:
  1. I pour everything back into the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
    Molasses Ice Cream Recipe
Step 5:
  1. I remove it from heat, strain the custard if I want extra smooth ice cream, and stir in the vanilla.
    Molasses Ice Cream Recipe
Step 6:
  1. I cover the surface with plastic wrap touching the custard and chill it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
    Molasses Ice Cream Recipe
Step 7:
  1. I churn the chilled mixture in my ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20–25 minutes.
    Molasses Ice Cream Recipe
Step 8:
  1. I transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 3–4 hours until scoopable.
    Molasses Ice Cream Recipe

Notes

I usually let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping so it’s perfectly creamy. If the molasses flavor feels too strong, adding a little extra cream balances it nicely. This ice cream pairs really well with gingerbread, molasses cookies, or toasted nuts.