Close your eyes and imagine the perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and creamy dancing across your taste buds. That’s exactly what this Black Sesame Ice Cream with Honey Brittle delivers – an elegant dessert that transforms humble sesame seeds into a sophisticated frozen treat. The deep, earthy flavor of toasted black sesame paired with the delicate sweetness of honey creates an ice cream experience that’s both familiar and exotic at once. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a conversation starter, a mood lifter, and possibly the most interesting ice cream you’ll make all year.
What makes this recipe truly special is the textural contrast between the silky-smooth ice cream and the shattered shards of honey brittle that add a delightful crunch with each spoonful. The brittle, with its golden amber hue and subtle floral notes from quality honey, creates little moments of sweet surprise throughout the creamy base. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself after a long day, this dessert brings an air of sophistication that belies how surprisingly straightforward it is to prepare. Ready to step into a world where Eastern flavors meet Western techniques? Let’s dive into this culinary adventure.
The magic of black sesame seeds lies in their intense nutty flavor, significantly deeper than their white counterparts. When toasted and ground, they release aromatic oils that infuse the ice cream base with an unmistakable earthiness that pairs perfectly with the sweet honey notes. Don’t be surprised by the striking gray color – it’s all part of the charm! This unusual hue makes for a stunning presentation, especially when topped with the amber-colored honey brittle.
While this recipe may sound exotic, it draws inspiration from traditional Asian desserts where black sesame is a star ingredient. In Japanese cuisine, black sesame ice cream (known as kurogoma aisu) is beloved for its rich, toasty flavor profile. By adding the honey brittle element, we’re creating a cross-cultural dessert that honors these traditions while adding a unique twist that elevates the entire experience.
Black Sesame Ice Cream with Honey Brittle
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Black Sesame Ice Cream:
- 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the Honey Brittle:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup high-quality honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
For the Black Sesame Ice Cream:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the black sesame seeds until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Let cool slightly.
- Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a food processor or spice grinder and grind until they form a paste-like consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
- Gradually pour about 1 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (170-175°F), about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the ground black sesame paste, vanilla extract, and honey until fully incorporated.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl (this helps remove any egg bits or unground sesame particles).
- Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.
For the Honey Brittle:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, honey, and water. Stir gently to combine.
- Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil without stirring (swirl the pan occasionally if needed).
- Cook until the mixture turns amber in color and reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the butter and baking soda. The mixture will foam up dramatically.
- Immediately pour onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it thin with a heat-resistant spatula if needed.
- If using, sprinkle with sea salt while still hot.
- Allow to cool completely until hardened, about 20-30 minutes.
- Break into shards of various sizes for serving.
To Serve:
- Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
- Scoop the black sesame ice cream into serving bowls.
- Garnish with honey brittle shards just before serving.
- For an extra touch, drizzle with a small amount of honey and sprinkle with a few toasted black sesame seeds.
The key to exceptional black sesame ice cream lies in properly toasting the seeds. This crucial step awakens their essential oils and deepens their flavor profile. When you smell that nutty aroma wafting from your skillet, you’ll know you’re on the right track. Be vigilant during this process – black sesame seeds can burn quickly, turning bitter and unusable. A heavy-bottomed pan and constant movement will ensure perfect results.
For the custard base, patience is your friend. The slow tempering process – gradually introducing hot cream to egg yolks – prevents scrambling and ensures that silky-smooth texture we’re after. When cooking the custard, use a wooden spoon rather than a whisk to prevent incorporating too much air. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of the spoon and a finger drawn through leaves a clear path that doesn’t immediately fill in.
The honey brittle requires attention to detail but rewards you with spectacular results. The magic happens when you add baking soda to the hot sugar mixture – it creates thousands of tiny air bubbles that give the brittle its characteristic light, crisp texture. Work quickly at this stage, as the mixture sets rapidly once removed from heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds to the brittle for a thematic echo of the ice cream’s flavor.
This dessert can be partially prepared in advance, making it perfect for entertaining. The ice cream base can be refrigerated for up to two days before churning, and the churned ice cream keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to a week. The brittle stays crisp for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place – humidity is the enemy of perfect brittle.
Don’t be surprised if this becomes your signature dessert. The unusual color combination – slate gray ice cream with amber brittle – creates a striking visual presentation that looks particularly impressive served in white bowls. For special occasions, consider serving this in pre-chilled martini glasses with the brittle artfully arranged like a sail rising from the creamy base. A light dusting of black sesame powder on the rim adds that professional touch that will have guests wondering if you’ve been taking secret pastry classes.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. While perfect on its own, the black sesame ice cream pairs wonderfully with other desserts too. Try serving a small scoop alongside a warm chocolate cake for a sophisticated twist on the classic “cake and ice cream” combination. The earthy notes of the sesame complement dark chocolate beautifully. Alternatively, sandwich it between two crisp ginger cookies for an elevated ice cream sandwich that balances sweet, spicy, and nutty notes in perfect harmony.
As you savor each spoonful of this remarkable dessert, take a moment to appreciate how something as humble as a tiny seed can be transformed into such an elegant treat. That’s the beauty of cooking – the alchemy that happens when simple ingredients meet technique and imagination. Whether this is your first foray into homemade ice cream or you’re a seasoned pro, this Black Sesame Ice Cream with Honey Brittle promises to be a delightful adventure for both the cook and those lucky enough to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
