Easy and Delicious Grasshopper Ice Cream Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of homemade ice cream, especially when it’s made with hazelnuts.

Hazelnut ice cream brings together the rich, creamy texture of a classic dessert with the nutty, toasty flavor of hazelnuts.

It’s a treat that feels both indulgent and comforting, and the best part is, making it from scratch lets you control every ingredient to create a flavor that’s truly exceptional.

Whether you’re serving it as a solo dessert or pairing it with your favorite pies and cakes, hazelnut ice cream adds a delightful twist to any occasion.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make hazelnut ice cream right at home.

Get ready to enjoy a bowl of smooth, creamy heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Hazelnut Ice Cream Recipe

There’s a lot to love about making your own hazelnut ice cream. First, the flavor is absolutely unique.

Hazelnuts bring a warm, nutty sweetness that balances perfectly with the creamy base.

The combination of heavy cream, milk, and egg yolks results in a rich, custardy texture that melts smoothly in your mouth.

What sets this hazelnut ice cream apart is its complexity—thanks to the toasted hazelnuts, every bite carries a slight crunch and an intense, roasted flavor.

Not only does this recipe allow you to enjoy the purest form of hazelnut flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile.

The ice cream can be served on its own for a simple yet decadent treat, or you can dress it up with your favorite toppings—think caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, or even extra roasted hazelnuts for some crunch.

Another bonus? Making ice cream from scratch is incredibly satisfying.

The process gives you the freedom to experiment with flavors and customize the texture to your liking, which is impossible with store-bought options.

Plus, there’s nothing like the pride of serving up a bowl of homemade ice cream to friends or family, knowing exactly what went into it.

If you’ve been looking for an ice cream recipe that combines luxurious flavor with the comforting feeling of homemade goodness, this hazelnut ice cream is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned ice cream maker, this recipe will help you create a scoop-worthy treat that’s both simple and extraordinary.

Ingredients for Hazelnut Ice Cream

Creating the perfect hazelnut ice cream starts with selecting the right ingredients.

To make a creamy, rich base with that unmistakable hazelnut flavor, you’ll need the following:

• Hazelnuts: The star ingredient! You can use whole hazelnuts, preferably toasted to bring out their nutty, earthy flavor.
  If you prefer a smoother texture, you can grind the hazelnuts, but toasted whole hazelnuts will give the ice cream a delightful crunch and depth.
• Heavy Cream: For a rich and creamy texture, heavy cream is essential.
  It creates that luscious mouthfeel that makes homemade ice cream so indulgent.
• Whole Milk: A balance of heavy cream and whole milk ensures a creamy, smooth consistency without making the ice cream too heavy.
  It’s the perfect medium to allow the hazelnut flavor to shine.
• Sugar: The sweetness that will bring all the flavors together.
  Granulated sugar works best to dissolve into the cream and milk mixture.
• Egg Yolks: These will help thicken the base and create a velvety custard.
  They’re key in making your ice cream creamy and smooth.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of vanilla extract enhances the natural flavors of the hazelnuts and the cream, adding a subtle sweetness that elevates the overall taste.
• Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness of the other ingredients and helps to balance the flavors.
• Optional: Hazelnut Liqueur: For a touch of sophistication and depth, you can add a little hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico.
  This will infuse the ice cream with an additional layer of flavor, making it even more indulgent.

How to Make Hazelnut Ice Cream from Scratch

Making hazelnut ice cream from scratch is a rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the freshest, creamiest dessert.

Let’s break down the steps to get your hazelnut ice cream ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Toasting the Hazelnuts

To bring out the best flavor in the hazelnuts, start by toasting them.
This will release the natural oils and intensify their flavor, making them the perfect addition to your ice cream base.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Toast the hazelnuts in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and fragrant.
• Once toasted, let them cool slightly, then rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove most of the skins. It’s okay if some skin remains—this will give your ice cream a rustic texture.
• Set the hazelnuts aside for later use.

Step 2: Making the Ice Cream Base (Custard Style)

The key to creamy, smooth ice cream is the custard base.

This involves gently cooking egg yolks with sugar to create a rich, thick mixture that will form the base of your ice cream.

• In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and a pinch of salt.
  Heat this mixture over medium heat until it’s warm, but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
• Once the cream mixture is warm, slowly pour a small amount of it into the egg yolk mixture to temper the eggs, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
  Gradually add the rest of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks.
• Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula.
  You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.
• Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any curdled bits, ensuring a smooth base.

Step 3: Blending the Hazelnuts into the Base

Once your custard base is ready, it’s time to incorporate the hazelnuts.

• Take about half of the toasted hazelnuts and finely chop or grind them using a food processor.
  You can blend them until smooth for a creamy base, or pulse them until they’re finely chopped for a bit of crunch in your ice cream.
• Stir the ground hazelnuts into the custard base, allowing the flavor to infuse.
  You can also add the remaining whole hazelnuts to the mixture for texture and a satisfying bite.
• Let the custard cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Chilling the Mixture

For the ice cream to churn properly, the mixture needs to be cold.
Once your hazelnut custard has cooled to room temperature, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
This step ensures the ice cream will freeze evenly and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 5: Churning the Ice Cream

Now comes the fun part: churning! This step helps the ice cream form a soft, scoopable texture without ice crystals.

• Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Churn the mixture for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches the consistency of soft serve.
  You should notice it thickening and becoming creamy as it churns.

Step 6: Freezing the Ice Cream

After churning, the ice cream will be soft but ready to freeze. For a firmer texture:

• Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it becomes firm enough to scoop.

Once your hazelnut ice cream is ready, you can serve it immediately for a soft-serve treat or wait for it to firm up to your preferred consistency.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about making homemade ice cream is how customizable it is.

This hazelnut ice cream recipe serves as a perfect base for creating unique variations or adding personal touches.

Here are some ideas to make your hazelnut ice cream even more exciting:

Adding Chocolate Swirls or Fudge

For a decadent twist, consider adding a swirl of chocolate.

Once your ice cream has finished churning but is still soft, gently swirl in some warm chocolate ganache or fudge sauce.

The contrast between the creamy hazelnut and rich chocolate creates an indulgent dessert experience.

You could also add small chunks of chocolate or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra depth.

Swapping Hazelnuts for Other Nuts

If you’re craving a different flavor, you can easily swap hazelnuts for other nuts.

Try toasted pistachios for a slightly salty, green-hued version, or almonds for a more delicate, sweet flavor.

Chopped pecans or walnuts can also be great choices to add a different texture and taste to your ice cream.

Vegan Hazelnut Ice Cream

For a dairy-free or vegan option, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or cashew milk for a creamy base.

You can also use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar in place of granulated sugar.

To maintain the same rich texture, you might want to incorporate a little coconut oil or a non-dairy cream in place of egg yolks.

Adding Liqueurs for Extra Flavor

For a grown-up twist, you can add a splash of hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico.

The liqueur enhances the nutty flavor and adds a lovely complexity to the ice cream.

Alternatively, a little vanilla liqueur or even amaretto could introduce another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the hazelnuts.

Chopped Candied Hazelnuts or Caramelized Nuts

If you love a bit of crunch, try making candied hazelnuts to mix into the ice cream.

To make these, simply caramelize some sugar in a pan, add chopped hazelnuts, and let them cool.

The result is a sweet, crunchy addition to your ice cream that adds texture and sweetness.

You can also use caramelized almonds or pecans for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

Once your homemade hazelnut ice cream is ready to serve, it’s time to get creative with how you present and enjoy it.

Here are a few ideas to make your dessert even more indulgent:

Simple and Elegant

For a classic, no-fuss presentation, scoop the hazelnut ice cream into waffle cones or dessert bowls.

You can garnish with a few whole hazelnuts on top for a visual touch and a bit of extra crunch.

A drizzle of honey or maple syrup will complement the nutty flavor without overpowering it.

Ice Cream Sundae

Take your hazelnut ice cream to the next level with a fun sundae.

Start by scooping the ice cream into a bowl or a glass, and then add layers of your favorite toppings.

Consider adding a generous helping of chocolate fudge sauce, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts.

For a little extra flair, top it off with a cherry, whipped cream, or even a few pieces of chocolate.

Pair with Fruit

If you’re looking for something refreshing to pair with your rich hazelnut ice cream, fresh fruit makes a great contrast.

Try serving the ice cream with some sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even grilled peaches.

The natural sweetness and slight acidity of the fruit help balance the richness of the ice cream.

With Cake or Pie

Hazelnut ice cream also works beautifully as a side to your favorite cakes or pies.

It pairs wonderfully with chocolate cake, apple pie, or coffee-flavored desserts.

You could even serve it alongside a slice of hazelnut dacquoise for a hazelnut-packed dessert experience.

In a Milkshake

For an indulgent treat, turn your hazelnut ice cream into a creamy milkshake.

Blend the ice cream with some cold milk and a splash of vanilla or chocolate syrup until smooth and thick.

You can garnish the milkshake with whipped cream, more hazelnuts, and even a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flavor.

Affogato-Style

For a fun Italian twist, turn your hazelnut ice cream into an affogato.

Scoop the ice cream into a small bowl or cup and pour over a shot of hot espresso.

The contrast between the hot coffee and cold ice cream creates a rich and satisfying dessert experience.

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, top it with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few roasted hazelnuts.

Troubleshooting Common Hazelnut Ice Cream Issues

While making homemade hazelnut ice cream is rewarding, it’s not uncommon to run into a few bumps along the way.

Here are some common issues you might face and how to fix them:

1. Ice Crystals in the Ice Cream

Ice crystals forming in your ice cream can be a result of the mixture not being churned enough, or if it wasn’t chilled properly before churning.

This can lead to a grainy texture rather than a smooth, creamy consistency.

Solution: Ensure that your custard base is fully chilled before you begin churning.

If you’re using an ice cream maker, be sure it’s pre-frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Additionally, if you’re making the ice cream by hand, you might need to churn for a longer time to ensure a smooth texture.

Adding a little alcohol (like hazelnut liqueur) can help prevent ice crystals by lowering the freezing point.

2. Ice Cream is Too Soft After Freezing

If your hazelnut ice cream is too soft or doesn’t firm up properly after being frozen, it might be due to a few factors: too much sugar, not enough fat, or not churning the mixture long enough.

Solution: Ensure you’re using the correct proportions of heavy cream to milk for a rich, creamy base.

If using eggs, be sure they’re fully incorporated into the mixture to help thicken it.

When making the custard, don’t skip the chilling step—cold ingredients churn better.

Additionally, check your freezer’s temperature to make sure it’s cold enough to freeze the ice cream completely.

3. Ice Cream is Too Hard After Freezing

On the flip side, if your hazelnut ice cream is too hard after freezing and difficult to scoop, it might be because the mixture has too little air incorporated, or it hasn’t been allowed to soften before serving.

Solution: Try letting your ice cream sit out for a few minutes before scooping to allow it to soften.

When churning, ensure that you’re not over-churning or under-churning, as the right amount of air needs to be incorporated for a smooth texture.

A little bit of alcohol (like hazelnut liqueur) can help too, as it prevents the ice cream from becoming too solid and icy.

4. Nutty Texture Isn’t Right

If your hazelnuts aren’t as crunchy or finely ground as you’d like, the texture of your ice cream might not have the right balance between smooth and crunchy.

Solution: For a creamier texture, grind the toasted hazelnuts into a finer paste, or for more texture, leave them coarsely chopped.

Be sure to toast the hazelnuts properly to enhance their natural oils and flavors, as under-toasted nuts won’t release as much flavor.

5. Flavor Isn’t Strong Enough

Sometimes, the flavor of hazelnuts can get lost in the creamy base, especially if you use a lot of milk and cream compared to the amount of hazelnuts.

Solution: Increase the amount of hazelnuts you’re using, or blend some of the hazelnuts into the custard for a stronger flavor.

You can also add a splash of hazelnut liqueur or vanilla extract to intensify the nutty taste.

If you’re using ground hazelnuts, make sure they’re toasted properly to bring out the most flavor.

Conclusion

Making homemade hazelnut ice cream is an incredibly satisfying process that brings together the creamy richness of traditional ice cream with the unique, nutty flavor of hazelnuts.

With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a luxurious dessert that’s both indulgent and customizable.

Whether you enjoy it as a stand-alone treat, paired with cake or fruit, or dressed up with a variety of toppings, hazelnut ice cream offers a deliciously creamy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With the tips and troubleshooting advice shared here, you’re equipped to create the perfect batch every time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make hazelnut ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make hazelnut ice cream without an ice cream maker!

After churning your mixture (whether by hand or in a mixer), transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container.

Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture to break up ice crystals, repeating for 2-3 hours until the ice cream firms up to your desired texture.

2. Can I use pre-ground hazelnuts in this recipe?

Yes, pre-ground hazelnuts can be used in this recipe.

However, fresh, toasted whole hazelnuts will give a more pronounced flavor and texture.

If using ground hazelnuts, make sure they are finely ground to avoid an overly gritty texture in the ice cream.

3. How long will homemade hazelnut ice cream keep in the freezer?

Homemade ice cream can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain the best texture.

4. Can I make hazelnut ice cream without eggs?

Yes! You can make a custard-free version of hazelnut ice cream by simply using a combination of heavy cream, milk, and sugar.

The ice cream will still be creamy, but without the richness eggs provide. You can also experiment with cornstarch as a thickening agent.

5. How can I get a smoother texture in my ice cream?

To achieve a smoother texture, ensure that your custard is cooked slowly and that you strain it well before chilling.

Additionally, making sure your mixture is fully chilled before churning, and not over-churning, can help maintain a creamy consistency.

Adding a small amount of alcohol (like hazelnut liqueur) can also prevent ice crystals from forming and help with the texture.