Oregon

Marionberry Ice Cream

From the Willamette Valley comes Oregon's crown jewel berry! This Beaver State treasure features intensely flavored marionberries - sweeter and more complex than regular blackberries - swirled through rich cream for a taste of the Pacific Northwest summer.

35 min churn time 8 servings Easy PNW Summer
Jump to Ingredients

Equipment Needed

🍦
Ice Cream Maker
🥣
Large Mixing Bowl
🍳
Heavy Saucepan
🥄
Whisk
🧊
Freezer Container
🫙
Fine Mesh Strainer

Ingredients

For the Base:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
5 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Marionberry Swirl:

2 cups fresh or frozen marionberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1
Make marionberry sauce: Cook berries with sugar and lemon juice until soft. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, add to berries, cook until thickened. Cool completely.
2
Strain half the sauce for smooth swirl, keep half with seeds for texture. Reserve both.
3
In a heavy saucepan, combine cream, milk, and half the sugar. Heat until steaming.
4
Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar and salt until pale. Slowly temper with the hot cream mixture.
5
Return to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until custard reaches 170-175 degrees F.
6
Strain custard, stir in vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
7
Stir 1/4 cup strained marionberry sauce into the custard before churning for base color.
8
Churn in ice cream maker, about 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy.
9
Transfer to container in layers, swirling remaining sauce between each layer.
10
Freeze 4 hours. Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Marionberry Ice Cream

Oregon Original

Marionberries were developed at Oregon State University in 1956 and named for Marion County.

Peak Season

Fresh marionberries are available July-August. Frozen berries work beautifully year-round.

Complex Flavor

Marionberries have notes of blackberry, raspberry, and even a hint of cabernet wine.

Seed Decision

Keep some seeds for authentic texture, or strain all for silky smooth - your choice!

Oregon Pride

Marionberries are Oregon's official berry and appear in pies, jams, and wines across the state.

Serving Idea

Top with fresh marionberries and a drizzle of honey for the ultimate Oregon summer dessert.