With the days growing shorter and the aroma of spices filling the air, I found myself yearning for a sweet treat that captures the essence of the season. Enter this Molasses Ginger Cream Dessert, a luxurious, creamy delight that’s as comforting as a warm hug. One afternoon, while experimenting in the kitchen, I discovered that just a handful of ingredients could transform into a velvety dessert that dances on the palate with flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of molasses.
Imagine the smooth, rich texture paired with the warmth of spices reminiscent of gingerbread cookies—perfect for that upcoming holiday gathering or a cozy night in with loved ones. Best of all, this recipe comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for those busy moments when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s whip up something truly magical that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Gingerbread Ice Cream a must-try?
Deliciously Creamy: This dessert boasts a luxuriously smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
Warm Spice Blend: With ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, each bite is like a warm hug.
Effortless Preparation: In just a few simple steps, you have an impressive dessert ready for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, everyone will be asking for more!
Versatile Delight: Serve it as a standalone treat or pair it with your favorite pie. Enjoy the comfort of homemade flavors with minimal effort!
Gingerbread Ice Cream Ingredients
• Whip up this delightful dessert with these simple ingredients!
For the Base
- Heavy cream – This is the key to achieving that creamy, luxurious texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and richness, enhancing the overall flavor.
For the Spices
- Molasses – Infuses the dessert with deep, rich flavors reminiscent of gingerbread.
- Ground ginger – Offers a warm, fragrant spice that perfectly complements the molasses.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and sweetness, balancing the spices beautifully.
- Ground cloves – A little goes a long way, bringing depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Ground nutmeg – Just a pinch enhances the warm spice blend, making every bite cozy and inviting.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors with a touch of sweetness and aromatic warmth.
How to Make Gingerbread Ice Cream
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently until fully combined, creating a rich base for your dessert.
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Add the Spices: Next, introduce the molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. The warm, inviting aroma will fill your kitchen as the spices meld with the creamy mixture.
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Whip Until Perfect: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency—smooth and creamy, ideally fluffy but still slightly thick, akin to a luscious ice cream base.
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Chill Out: Transfer your mixture to an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours or until firm. Your patience will be rewarded with a delightful frozen treat!
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Molasses Ginger Cream Dessert is a fantastic choice for meal prepping, making your busy life that much easier! You can prepare the creamy mixture up to 24 hours in advance by combining the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, molasses, and spices, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste, while maintaining its delightful creaminess. When you’re ready to serve, simply whip it again to your desired consistency and transfer it to the freezer for at least 4 hours until firm. This way, you’ll have a delectable Gingerbread Ice Cream ready to impress your family and friends with just a little finishing touch!
What to Serve with Gingerbread Ice Cream?
Indulging in a creamy dessert brings joy, but the experience can be even more delightful when paired with thoughtful accompaniments.
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Spiced Apple Crisp: A warm, cinnamon-soaked apple crisp contrasts beautifully with the cold, creamy texture of the ice cream, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Gingersnap Cookies: These crunchy cookies echo the ginger theme and provide a perfect textural contrast, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
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Whipped Cream with Cinnamon: Light and airy, a dollop of spiced whipped cream adds a festive touch while enhancing the dessert’s cozy flavor profile.
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Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of rich hot chocolate pairs wonderfully, delivering warmth that beautifully complements the cold creaminess of the ice cream.
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Chocolate Fudge Sauce: Drizzle over the ice cream for an unexpected touch of richness that heightens the indulgence of the dessert.
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Caramelized Pears: Served warm, these sweet and slightly tart pears bring a delightful seasonal fruit element that enhances the overall experience.
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Peppermint Bark: Add a seasonal flair with a crunchy and minty touch to elevate the dessert experience during festive gatherings.
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Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These comforting muffins add a touch of fall flavor, making every bite feel like a warm hug on a cold evening.
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Chai Tea: A cup of spiced chai offers a warm, aromatic contrast to the cold ice cream, making for a perfectly balanced treat.
Expert Tips for Gingerbread Ice Cream
- Perfect Consistency: Aim for a balance of fluffiness and thickness. Whip just until combined to avoid over-aerating the mixture.
- Sweetness Control: Taste before chilling! If you prefer it sweeter, a little extra sweetened condensed milk or molasses can enhance the flavor of your Gingerbread Ice Cream.
- Freezing Tips: To prevent ice crystals, ensure the container is airtight and minimize air exposure. Stirring every hour for the first few hours can improve texture.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the spices! If you love a bolder flavor, increase the ginger or cinnamon according to your preference.
- Garnish Wisely: Serve with toppings like crushed gingersnaps or candied ginger for added texture and a holiday touch.
Gingerbread Ice Cream Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that can elevate your dessert experience beyond the classic recipe!
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped fresh ginger for a little kick of heat and extra freshness.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate a tablespoon of almond or hazelnut extract to create a delightful nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Fruity Twist: Fold in diced apples or poached pears for added texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the warm spices.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips or swirls of chocolate sauce for a decadent touch that contrasts beautifully with the ginger flavor.
- Creamy Pumpkin: For an autumn-inspired variation, replace molasses with pumpkin puree and add a bit of pumpkin pie spice.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle in your favorite caramel sauce just before freezing for a delicious, gooey surprise in every scoop.
- Cookie Crumble: Mix in crushed gingersnaps or graham crackers for a delightful crunch that enhances each creamy bite.
Each variation offers a unique flavor experience, inviting you to customize and make this dessert your own. Enjoy experimenting!
How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Ice Cream
Room Temperature: Leave out at room temperature for no more than 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easy scooping.
Fridge: While best stored in the freezer, you can keep Gingerbread Ice Cream in the fridge for up to 1 hour if needed, but it may lose its creamy texture.
Freezer: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent ice crystal formation and maintain delicious flavor.
Reheating: If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften before serving.
Molasses Ginger Cream Dessert Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select molasses for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing molasses, look for unsulfured varieties, which are usually lighter in color and flavor—perfect for desserts. Blackstrap molasses can be used if you prefer a more robust taste, but it may make the dessert slightly less sweet.
How do I store leftover Molasses Ginger Cream Dessert?
You can store this dessert in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Just make sure there’s minimal air exposure to keep the texture creamy and delicious. For best results, cover the top with plastic wrap before sealing the container.
Can I freeze Molasses Ginger Cream Dessert?
Certainly! To freeze, pour the dessert into an airtight container, leaving some space at the top as it expands when frozen. It will keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for a smoother texture.
What should I do if my dessert didn’t whip up properly?
If your mixture doesn’t achieve the desired whipped consistency, double-check that your heavy cream is cold—use chilled bowls and beaters, too! If it remains too thin, you can try adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar or additional molasses and whip gently until thickened.
Is this dessert suitable for people with allergies?
Very! However, please note that this recipe contains dairy due to the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. If dairy is a concern, consider using coconut cream and a dairy-free condensed milk alternative. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet specific dietary needs, especially for anyone with allergies.
Gingerbread Ice Cream: A Cozy Sweet Treat to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently until fully combined.
- Next, introduce the molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency—smooth and creamy.
- Transfer your mixture to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until firm.