New Hampshire

Maple Walnut Ice Cream

From the sugar houses of the Granite State comes this quintessential New England frozen treat. Pure New Hampshire maple syrup sweetens a rich custard base loaded with toasted black walnuts - a taste of spring sugaring season any time of year.

40 min churn time 8 servings Easy Spring Classic
Jump to Ingredients

Equipment Needed

🍦
Ice Cream Maker
🥣
Large Mixing Bowl
🍳
Heavy Saucepan
🥄
Whisk
🧊
Freezer Container
🌡️
Thermometer

Ingredients

For the Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup pure NH maple syrup
5 large egg yolks
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Mix-ins:

1 1/2 cups black walnuts, toasted and chopped
2 tablespoons butter
Pinch of salt
Extra maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions

1
Toast walnuts in butter with a pinch of salt over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Cool and chop roughly.
2
In a heavy saucepan, combine cream, milk, and maple syrup. Heat until steaming.
3
Whisk egg yolks with salt until pale. Slowly temper with the hot cream mixture.
4
Return to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until custard reaches 170-175 degrees F.
5
Strain custard, stir in vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
6
Pour chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to instructions, about 25-30 minutes.
7
During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the toasted walnuts.
8
Transfer to freezer container, drizzling maple syrup between layers.
9
Freeze 4 hours until firm.
10
Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with warm maple syrup.

Tips for Perfect Maple Walnut Ice Cream

Grade A Dark

Use Grade A Dark or Very Dark maple syrup for the most robust flavor that stands up to freezing.

Black Walnuts

Black walnuts have a more intense, earthy flavor than English walnuts and are a New England tradition.

Sugar Season

New Hampshire's maple sugaring season runs late February through April - the best time for fresh syrup!

Toast for Flavor

Toasting the walnuts in butter enhances their flavor and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Warm Syrup Finish

Drizzling warm maple syrup over the frozen ice cream creates a delicious chewy maple candy effect.

Live Free Dessert

This classic New England flavor embodies New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die" spirit of independence!