Creamy Black Sesame Delight Ice Cream
Indulge in the unique flavors of our Creamy Black Sesame Delight Ice Cream, inspired by a serene tea shop nestled in the heart of Seoul. This exquisite treat marries the deep, nutty essence of black sesame with the luscious creaminess of coconut milk, creating a dairy-free ice cream that is as delightful as it is sophisticated. The rich flavor of toasted black sesame seeds is complemented by a hint of natural sweetness from agave syrup and unrefined sugar, resulting in a dessert experience that is subtly decadent and irresistibly creamy. Perfect for warm days or as a refreshing end to any meal, this ice cream is sure to impress friends and family alike. To achieve the best result, opting for high-quality, fresh black sesame seeds is crucial in unlocking the true depth of flavor in this uniquely Korean-inspired dessert.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black Sesame Seeds
6 tablespoons (Toasted and ground)
Agave Syrup
1/3 cup (Sweetener for sesame paste)
Coconut Milk
2 cans (13.5 ounces each) (Divided for cooking and thickening)
Unrefined Sugar or Coconut Palm Sugar
1/2 cup (Sweetener for the mixture)
Sea Salt
1 pinch (Enhances flavor)
Cornstarch
3 tablespoons (Used for thickening)
Instructions
1
Begin by toasting the black sesame seeds: Place them in a dry frying pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until they begin to pop and release a fragrant aroma, then quickly remove from the heat to cool.
2
Once cooled, grind the sesame seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor until they reach a fine powder. Transfer this to a bowl, and mix in the agave syrup to create a smooth paste.
3
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine one can of coconut milk, the unrefined sugar or coconut palm sugar, and the pinch of sea salt. Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining can of coconut milk with the cornstarch until there are no lumps remaining. Gradually pour this mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 4–6 minutes until the mixture thickens significantly. Avoid letting it stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
5
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and pour the mixture into a large bowl. If you notice any lumps, strain the mixture through a sieve to ensure a smooth texture.
6
Stir the black sesame paste into the coconut mixture until well combined. Cover the surface with parchment paper to prevent a skin from forming and allow it to cool completely. Then refrigerate for 1–2 hours until chilled, or use an ice bath to expedite this process.
7
Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a wide, flat metal pan and place it in the freezer. After 40 minutes, take it out and stir with a fork to break up any ice crystals, repeating this step every 40 minutes for a total of 3 cycles. For an ultra-smooth texture, you can blend it in a food processor at the final stage before returning to the pan to freeze until fully set.
8
Before serving, allow the ice cream to soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Black Sesame Delight Ice Cream?
It is a dairy-free dessert inspired by a Seoul tea shop that combines the nutty flavor of toasted black sesame seeds with creamy coconut milk.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe uses coconut milk, agave syrup, and plant-based sugars, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
How do I toast the black sesame seeds?
Place them in a dry frying pan over medium heat and stir until they begin to pop and release a fragrant aroma.
What should I do after toasting the sesame seeds?
Grind the cooled seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor into a fine powder and mix with agave syrup to form a paste.
What type of coconut milk is required?
The recipe calls for two 13.5-ounce cans of coconut milk, divided for cooking and thickening.
Can I substitute agave syrup?
While agave is recommended for the sesame paste, you can use other liquid sweeteners, though the flavor profile may shift slightly.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to ensure the ice cream achieves a creamy and luscious texture without dairy.
Can I use regular granulated sugar?
The recipe suggests unrefined sugar or coconut palm sugar for a more complex flavor, but regular sugar can be used if necessary.
How do I prevent lumps in the ice cream base?
Whisk the cornstarch into a cold can of coconut milk before adding it to the heated mixture, and strain the final base through a sieve.
Do I need an ice cream maker?
An ice cream maker is recommended, but you can also use a manual freezing and stirring method in a flat metal pan.
How do I make the ice cream without a machine?
Freeze the mixture in a flat pan and stir it with a fork every 40 minutes for 3 cycles to break up ice crystals.
How can I make the texture ultra-smooth without a machine?
You can blend the partially frozen mixture in a food processor at the final stage before letting it set completely.
How long should the base chill before churning?
Refrigerate the mixture for 1 to 2 hours until it is completely chilled.
How can I cool the mixture faster?
You can use an ice bath to expedite the cooling process before placing the mixture in the refrigerator.
How do I prevent a skin from forming on the cooling mixture?
Cover the surface of the coconut mixture directly with a piece of parchment paper while it cools.
Why is sea salt added to the recipe?
A pinch of sea salt is used to enhance the nutty flavor of the sesame and balance the sweetness.
Is this ice cream gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients, including cornstarch and coconut milk, are naturally gluten-free.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: black sesame seeds, agave syrup, coconut milk, unrefined sugar, sea salt, and cornstarch.
What is the inspiration for this dessert?
It is inspired by the serene tea shops found in the heart of Seoul, South Korea.
How long should I let the ice cream sit before serving?
Allow the ice cream to soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping.
Why must the sesame seeds be toasted?
Toasting the seeds is crucial for unlocking the deep, nutty flavor essential for this dessert.
What if I don't have a coffee grinder?
A high-speed food processor or a mortar and pestle can be used to grind the seeds into a fine powder.
Is the texture of this ice cream very creamy?
Yes, the combination of coconut milk and the cornstarch thickening process results in an irresistibly creamy texture.
Can I use white sesame seeds instead?
White sesame seeds will not provide the same deep color or intense nutty flavor that defines this specific black sesame recipe.
How long does it take to cook the thickening mixture?
Once the cornstarch mixture is added, it takes approximately 4 to 6 minutes to thicken over medium-high heat.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is designed to be subtly decadent, focusing more on the nutty sesame profile than overwhelming sweetness.
What is the best way to store this ice cream?
Store it in an airtight container in the freezer with a layer of parchment paper or plastic wrap against the surface.
Can I add toppings to this ice cream?
While delicious on its own, it pairs well with extra toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of agave syrup.
Is the black sesame paste made separately?
Yes, the ground seeds and agave are mixed into a paste before being stirred into the thickened coconut base.
Does the recipe use any dairy?
No, this is a completely dairy-free recipe that relies on coconut milk for its fat content and creaminess.