Honey Cake Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 25 m Cook: PT0M Total: 24 h 25 m Intermediate
Honey cake represents one of humanity’s oldest desserts, elevated in Louisiana with local wildflower honey and warming spices like cinnamon and allspice. This fusion approach transforms traditional European honey cake into a modern frozen treat, bridging old-world baking traditions with contemporary dessert innovation. Louisiana’s diverse wildflower honey adds complexity to this ancient cake, while modern ice cream techniques create new ways to experience these timeless flavors in unexpected, delightful forms.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 cup honey cake pieces, diced (for mix-in)
  • 2 tbsp chopped almonds (for mix-in)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend and xanthan gum, cinnamon, and allspice in a pint container.
  2. Blend in protein shake (or milk), honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Ensure honey is completely incorporated for smooth 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 cake pieces and almonds during final processing for texture.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why isn't my ice cream smooth after processing?

A: Make sure the honey is completely incorporated during the blending step - honey can crystallize if not fully mixed. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid and re-spin to achieve a smoother texture.

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of protein shake?

A: Yes, whole milk works great and gives a more traditional ice cream texture. The protein shake makes it slightly lighter and adds protein, but both options work well.

Tips and Techniques

Use local wildflower honey if you can find it - it’ll give you those complex floral notes that make this ice cream special!

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vanilla protein shake: whole milk or half-and-half
  • monk fruit/erythritol: regular sugar or honey
  • honey cake pieces: pound cake, angel food cake, or graham crackers

Equipment Needed

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

Historical Context

Honey cake represents one of humanity’s oldest desserts, elevated in Louisiana with local wildflower honey and warming spices. This fusion approach transforms traditional European honey cake into a modern frozen treat, bridging old-world baking traditions with contemporary dessert innovation. Louisiana’s diverse wildflower honey adds complexity to this ancient cake, while modern ice cream techniques create new ways to experience these timeless flavors in unexpected, delightful forms.