Charoset Ice Cream Recipe for Passover
By Karen Biton Cohen
Have you heard about the latest Ben & Jerry’s ice cream craze? They created a special Passover charoset ice cream, and it has us all pining to try this newest flavor. The catch is that it’s only sold in Israel! Apparently people have been even calling the Vermont factory, trying to get their hands on a rare, exclusive-to-Israel pint.
This was obviously an opportunity. With the Atlantic lying between us, I decided to take on the challenge and make my own recipe. The great thing about this creamy, cinnamon-spiked ice cream, full of apples and raisins and spices, is that it’s completely low tech — no ice cream machine needed — which makes it suitable for any kitchen. Charoset ice cream can be yours!
You can use left-over charoset from the seder, or make the traditional Ashkenazi version I share in the recipe below. This style of charoset is made with apple chunks, walnuts, and sweet-wine soaked raisins.
This no-churn method is unsophisticated in the equipment you need, but it doesn’t compromise on flavor: it still offers a creamy vanilla base, loaded with cinnamon and spiced charoset in every bite.
Charoset Ice Cream
Serves 6
For the charoset:
1 medium apple, peeled and cored, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons golden raisins
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon date syrup
1 tablespoon cane sugar
2 tablespoons sweet red wine, such as Manischewitz
For the ice cream:
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups heavy whipping cream
To prepare the charoset, toss the diced apples, chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins and golden raisins, cinnamon, honey, date syrup, sugar, and wine together in a bowl. This can and should be made a day in advance. Refrigerate until needed.
To make the ice cream, whisk together the condensed milk, vanilla extract and cinnamon in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form using a stand mixer or hand mixer. In batches, fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture, until fully combined.
Pour half of the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container (I used a loaf pan and sealed it with plastic wrap and tinfoil), then add the charoset mixture (reserving 1/4 cup for serving). Pour the rest of the cream over the charoset. Using a knife, swirl Charoset into the ice cream layers. Seal well and freeze for at least 6 hours.
Serve with a spoonful of the extra Charoset. For best flavor and texture, eat within two weeks.
More Deliciousness from The Kitchn:
A Food Lover’s Guide to Passover
Easy, Dreamy, Dairy-Free Ice Cream
