Cornbread Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 20 m Total: 24 h 20 m Intermediate
Cornbread represents the foundation of Southern comfort food, elevated in Louisiana with local touches like honey, butter, and cornmeal. This fusion ice cream transforms the humble cornbread into an innovative dessert while honoring its role as the cornerstone of Southern hospitality and sustenance. Modern Louisiana cuisine celebrates taking traditional flavors and reimagining them in unexpected ways.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 tbsp real sugar + 2 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 2 tbsp cornmeal, finely ground
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp butter extract
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup cornbread crumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend and xanthan gum, finely ground cornmeal, and salt in a pint container.
  2. Blend in protein shake (or milk), honey, vanilla extract, and butter extract until smooth.
  3. Ensure cornmeal is fully incorporated with no gritty texture.
  4. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  5. Process on LITE ICE CREAM setting. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin.
  6. Mix-in cornbread crumbs during final processing for texture.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my ice cream gritty?

A: Make sure you grind that cornmeal extra fine before mixing it in. Regular cornmeal texture will make your ice cream feel sandy. Also ensure the cornmeal is fully incorporated into the liquid base before freezing.

Q: Can I skip the 24-hour freeze time?

A: For best results, no. The full 24 hours allows the mixture to freeze completely solid, which is essential for proper processing. Shorter freeze times will give you a softer, less creamy texture.

Tips and Techniques

Grind that cornmeal extra fine - you want the flavor without the gritty texture in your smooth ice cream!

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vanilla protein shake: whole milk or half-and-half
  • monk fruit/erythritol blend: all real sugar (3 tbsp total)
  • cornbread crumbs: crumbled shortbread cookies or vanilla wafer crumbs

Equipment Needed

  • Ice cream maker with LITE ICE CREAM setting
  • Pint container for freezing
  • Blender or whisk for mixing

Historical Context

Cornbread represents the foundation of Southern comfort food, elevated in Louisiana with local touches like honey and butter. This fusion ice cream transforms the humble cornbread into an innovative dessert while honoring its role as the cornerstone of Southern hospitality and sustenance. Modern Louisiana cuisine celebrates taking traditional flavors and reimagining them in unexpected ways, creating new traditions that honor the past while embracing innovation.