Fresh Fig Ice Cream

4 servings servings Prep: 20 m Cook: PT0M Total: 24 h 20 m Intermediate
Fresh figs represent the pinnacle of Louisiana’s seasonal bounty, originally brought by French colonists. This modern frozen dessert showcases fresh figs, vanilla, and cinnamon in a protein-forward ice cream that celebrates the fruit’s natural sweetness and delicate flavor during the brief but intense fig season.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1/2 tbsp real sugar + 1 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 3/4 cup fresh figs, pureed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup diced fresh figs

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend, xanthan gum, and cinnamon in a pint container.
  2. Blend protein shake (or milk) with vanilla extract, lemon juice, and fig puree until smooth.
  3. Pour the blended mixture into the container with the dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
  4. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  5. Process in ice cream maker on LITE ICE CREAM setting. If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin.
  6. Mix-in the diced fresh figs during the final processing for added texture.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my ice cream too icy or hard?

A: Make sure you're using the LITE ICE CREAM setting if your machine has one. The protein shake and xanthan gum help create a creamier texture, but if it's still too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

A: You can try the no-churn method: pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container, freeze for 45 minutes, then vigorously whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours, folding in the diced figs during the last stir.

Q: My figs aren't very sweet—will this still work?

A: Yes, but you may want to add an extra 1/2 tbsp of your sweetener of choice. The lemon juice will help brighten the fig flavor even if they're not perfectly ripe.

Tips and Techniques

Choose figs that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t mushy. The best ones have that perfect balance of sweetness and texture!

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vanilla protein shake: whole milk, half-and-half, or unsweetened almond milk
  • monk fruit/erythritol blend: all real sugar, honey, or agave syrup
  • fresh figs: [fig preserves](/recipes/fig-preserves-i/) (reduce added sweetener)

Equipment Needed

  • Ice cream maker with LITE ICE CREAM setting
  • Blender or food processor
  • Pint-sized freezer-safe container

Historical Context

Fresh figs represent the pinnacle of Louisiana’s seasonal bounty. Fig trees, originally brought by French colonists, became symbols of prosperity and permanence. The brief but intense fig season was celebrated with elegant preparations that showcased the fruit’s natural sweetness and delicate flavor. Creole households treasured fresh figs as a mark of refinement, often serving them at formal gatherings where their subtle complexity could be properly appreciated.