Imagine the perfect dessert to cool you down on a warm day or to add a touch of elegance to a special evening: a scoop of silky smooth, rich, and aromatic ice cream. Now, let's elevate that dream beyond the ordinary by infusing it with one of nature's most precious gifts: Melora Manuka Honey.
This recipe combines the revolutionary technology of the Ninja Creami with the exceptional quality of Melora’s Manuka honey, delivering a coffee-shop quality dessert you can easily make at home. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s an unforgettable experience, packed with the natural goodness of New Zealand's pristine wilderness.
Why Choose Melora Manuka Honey for This Recipe?
Not all honey is created equal. Melora Manuka Honey stands apart with its unique properties and an unmistakable flavour profile that is both earthy and sweet. For this ice cream, we recommend our 100+ MGO Manuka Honey. Here’s why it’s the perfect choice:
-
Unmatched Flavour: It adds a complex, slightly herbaceous depth that regular honey simply cannot match, turning your ice cream into a gourmet creation.
-
Natural Goodness: Known for its natural antibacterial properties, Manuka honey adds a touch of wellness to your indulgence.
-
Perfect Texture: Its viscosity and natural sugars help create an incredibly smooth and creamy texture when processed in the Ninja Creami.
-
Authentic Origin: Sourced directly from the remote forests of New Zealand, every spoonful of Melora honey brings authentic, natural quality to your kitchen.
Ready to create something truly special? Let's begin.
Ingredients
-
1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream
-
⅓ cup (115g) Melora Manuka Honey (100+ MGO recommended)
-
3 large Egg Yolks
-
Crushed honeycomb candy (for mix-in)
-
Crushed pistachios, extra honeycomb, and wafer rolls (for garnish)
-
An extra drizzle of Melora Manuka Honey for serving
Equipment
-
Ninja® CREAMi® Ice Cream Maker
-
A medium saucepan
-
Whisk
-
Mixing bowls
-
Fine-mesh sieve
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, as shown in our video, to create the perfect Manuka honey ice cream.
Step 1: Create the Custard Base In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and ⅓ cup of Melora Manuka Honey. Gently heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it reaches approximately 77°C (170°F). It should be very hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to ensure the honey dissolves completely.
Step 2: Temper the Eggs In a separate bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks until they are smooth and pale. To temper, slowly pour a small amount (about a ladle's worth) of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This gently raises the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them.
Step 3: Cook the Custard Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens slightly and small bubbles begin to appear at the edges.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and a little cold water. Place a smaller, clean bowl into the ice bath. Pour the cooked custard through a fine-mesh sieve into the chilled bowl. This ensures a silky-smooth final product. Let the mixture cool over the ice bath for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Freeze Once cooled, pour the custard base into a Ninja Creami pint container. Secure the lid and freeze for at least 24 hours. The base must be frozen completely solid for the Creami to work its magic.
Step 6: First Spin Place the frozen pint into the outer bowl of your Ninja Creami, attach the lid with the paddle, and place it on the machine base. Select the "ICE CREAM" setting and let it process.
Step 7: Add Mix-ins and Re-spin After the first spin, the ice cream might look a bit crumbly. This is normal! Create a small well in the center of the ice cream and add your desired amount of crushed honeycomb candy. Place the pint back on the machine and select the "MIX-IN" setting.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish Your luxurious Manuka honey ice cream is now ready! Scoop it into your favourite bowls. Garnish with crushed pistachios, a few more pieces of honeycomb candy, and elegant wafer rolls. For the final, perfect touch, drizzle generously with more Melora Manuka Honey. Bon appétit!
Pro Tips for Perfect Manuka Honey Ice Cream
-
Don't Boil: Be careful not to let the custard base boil, as this can cause it to curdle. Gentle heat is key.
-
The 24-Hour Freeze is Essential: Don't be tempted to cut the freezing time short. A fully frozen base is crucial for the ultra-creamy texture that the Ninja Creami creates.
-
Experiment with Mix-ins: While honeycomb is a fantastic pairing, feel free to try dark chocolate chips, toasted pecans, or a swirl of caramel.