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Best Hazelnut Ice Cream Recipe

The best hazelnut ice cream recipe inspired by gianduiotto caffe, the Italian chocolate hazelnut flavored dessert we had in Turin, Italy



Best Hazelnut Ice Cream Recipe- like Gianduiotto
Best Hazelnut Ice Cream Recipe- like Gianduiotto

GIANDUIOTTO IN TURIN ITALY

In Turin, we had a dessert called gianduiotto caffe – a chocolate hazelnut mousse covered with a chocolate shell and made in the shape of a gold ingot. It was created to imitate the hazelnut chocolate Gianduiotto, a chocolate candy that is shaped like a gold ingot and wrapped in gold foil, which is a classic from this area.





Italy is delightful in the fall. The air is cool. The leaves are changing color. Most of the tourists have gone home. Some of the vendors were roasting nuts over open fires. Mostly chestnuts and hazelnuts that are grown in the Piedmont. The hazelnuts are popular in desserts in Italy, especially in Gelato. And the hazelnuts from this area are said to be the best.


best hazelnut ice cream

hazelnuts from Piedmont Italy
hazelnuts from Piedmont Italy

THE INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING THE BEST HAZELNUT ICE CREAM RECIPE

This recipe for the best hazelnut ice cream recipe was inspired by gianduiotto caffe, the classic Italian chocolate hazelnut flavored dessert we had in Turin. The key is to use the best possible ingredients.

HAZELNUTS

We used hazelnuts from Piedmont for this ice cream, but there are lots of sources for hazelnuts grown in the United States.

HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE NUT BUTTER

Instead of grinding and steeping nuts for the ice cream base, which is the start of most gelato recipes, we used a hazelnut paste. We have a producer at our local farmer’s market who makes an excellent hazelnut chocolate nut butter, but this kind of spread is readily available in most stores.

Hazelnut chocolate spread
Hazelnut chocolate spread

No Affiliates Statement

We call this our “no affiliates” statement because we accept no advertising, have no affiliates and accept no payment. We are not paid to mention brands – we just love buying the best, sharing that information and saving the planet at the same time. The effort put into writing and photographing the blog is solely based on our dedication to the cause.


hazelnuts from Piedmont Italy and hazelnut chocolate spread
hazelnuts from Piedmont Italy and hazelnut chocolate spread



THE METHOD FOR MAKING SMOOTH AND CREAMY HAZELNUT ICE CREAM

THE SCIENCE OF ICE CREAM


We fell in love with European ice cream – dense and creamy, with elegant flavors. It was like nothing we could get back home. So, we researched the science and technique for making ice cream and learned how to make it ourselves. The key to the best flavor was to use the best quality, most flavorful ingredients. But the secret to keeping it smooth and creamy was a combination of ingredients and technique.

There is more to ice cream than just freezing quality ingredients. The key is making it smooth and creamy. This is actually more difficult than it seems. Ice cream stays smooth while it is being churned, but then it is put in the freezer in order to harden, and that’s when ice crystals form, ruining the smoothness.

There is a lot of science to keeping it smooth. Making ice cream requires a method and ingredients that prevent large ice crystals from forming. The method is accomplished with a properly designed ice cream maker that keeps all of the mixture moving, and freezes it quickly. The other key is using certain ingredients that keep the ice crystals small. Cultured cream, eggs, invert sugar and alcohol are the keys to keeping the ice crystals small and the mixture creamy.


INGREDIENTS


HORIZON ORGANIC CREAM  – We think Horizon products taste better than any other dairy products we have tried. This is probably because the products are organic and from family farming partners. Just as important, Horizon is a certified B corporation that has committed to sustainability. We save money by buying this by the half gallon at a big box store.

HOMEMADE CRÈME FRAÎCHE FROM HORIZON CREAMCrème fraîche is cultured cream, like sour cream, but with a much milder taste. The culture in it prevents ice crystals from forming once the ice cream has been churned and is hardening. We make crème fraîche from Horizon cream, which makes this an eco-friendly swap as well, since Horizon is taking action on climate change. We save money by making our own, but it’s also better, and it’s a real crème fraîche, made with a culture.  And it’s easy to make because we use an Instant Pot.

EGGS – eggs increase the fat and protein in the mixture. The eggs are raw when whipped with the sugar, but are cooked when the hot cream is slowly added. It is important to bring the mixture to a safe temperature (160° F, 71°C according to the USDA). This method will do that without having to go through the added steps of making a custard and risking over cooking the eggs. French ice cream is made with a custard, which requires cooking and tempering, so this method is much easier. Heating the eggs will also denature the protein in the eggs and prohibit ice growth.

INVERT SUGAR – We use corn syrup for the required invert sugar. It lowers the freezing point of water, making the ice crystals smaller and the ice cream smoother. Corn syrup is NOT the same as high-fructose corn syrup. Honey, and some syrups are partially invert sugars and will do the same thing, to some extent, so we use these for certain flavors. However, honey and syrup will add a lot of flavor.

WHOLESOME ORGANIC SUGAR  – Sugar lowers the freezing point. The sugar molecules interfere with the water molecules becoming organized into a solid as it freezes.

ALCOHOL– This lowers the freezing point, making the ice crystals small. It also keeps ice crystals from forming as the ice cream hardens. Too much, however, and the ice cream won’t freeze. Use one tablespoon of an 80 proof alcohol, and adjust the amount for liqueur that contain more or less alcohol.

HEILALA VANILLA PASTE – We use Heilala vanilla paste in ice cream because it has a wonderful vanilla flavor without adding anything else. Using a paste makes it so much easier than using a vanilla bean and scraping all the seeds out. The paste includes the seeds so the ice cream will have the traditional flecks in it.

AIR – Air is also an important ingredient. It softens the ice cream and provides insulation allowing the flavors to be tasted even though the ice cream is cold. The air is added continuously as the ice cream is churned.


THE ICE CREAM MAKER

Making ice cream also requires a method that prevents the cream from freezing solid. The mixture must be constantly churned in an ice cream maker to add air and to keep the ice crystals small, so the ice cream stays creamy. When selecting an ice cream maker, the important thing is that it keeps all of the mixture moving, and freezes it quickly. There should be very little space between the paddle and the walls of the container, and the paddle should be designed to turn over the mixture as it rotates. If there is a gap allowing too much ice cream to build up on the container walls it will cause ice formation. The temperature must be cold enough to freeze the mixture quickly, before ice forms.

We use a Whynter Ice Cream maker (model ICM-200LS) which does an excellent job of freezing it quickly. It doesn’t require ice and rock salt or freezing the insert, so it is really easy and convenient. It has a capacity of 2 Quarts, but we found the ice cream is better when we make 1 Quart, so our recipe makes 1 Quart.

It also helps if everything is cold. Make the mixture and thoroughly chill it down to 45° F (7° C) before putting it in the ice cream maker. Making it the day before will ensure that it is thoroughly chilled and also improves the flavor. Let the ice cream maker run for five minutes before putting the mixture in, so it freezes as fast as possible. Freeze a glass container to store the ice cream. And work quickly when the ice cream has finished churning. Allow it to harden overnight.

Whynter ice cream maker
Whynter ice cream maker

FOOD SAFETY

Ice cream is made from dairy products and eggs, so it is very important to take steps to ensure food safety. Follow the instructions in the recipe carefully.

  • Start with everything washed in hot soap water, including knives and cutting boards.
  • Use pasteurized cream.
  • Simmer the cream and fruit mixture for two minutes to bring it to a safe temperature.
  • Add the hot cream mixture to the egg mixture, which will bring the eggs up to 160° F. (71° C), the safe temperature for eggs.
  • Fresh fruit can not be added after this, because it is not cooked and could contaminate the ice cream.
  • Some recipes call for adding things after the ice cream is churned, such as nuts, preserves or chocolate. These should all be fresh, clean, and handled in a manner to keep them clean. Nuts should be toasted and cooled just prior to adding. Anything chopped should be done on a clean cutting board with a clean knife. Preserves should be a newly opened jar.
  • The ice cream should be consumed within a week.

Best Hazelnut Ice Cream Recipe- like Gianduiotto

Best Hazelnut Ice Cream Recipe

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Add Comment Print Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Freezing time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 259kcal
Author: Lisa LeCoump
An ice cream flavor inspired by Italian gelato in Piedmont Italy

CHOOSING BRANDS:

For certain products, the choice of brand will make a big difference in the outcome of the recipe and in your carbon footprint. So, for those products, we have listed the brand. We are not paid to mention a brand and have no affiliates.

Ingredients

  • 450 grams Horizon cream
  • 300 grams Hazelnut paste
  • 85 grams corn syrup
  • 2 eggs one egg and one egg yolk
  • 80 grams organic sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 50 grams Crème fraîche homemade from Horizon cream
  • 2 Tablespoon Hazelnut liqueur Like Frangelico, or one Tablespoon vodka

Instructions

PREPARE THE STORAGE CONTAINER

  • Put a glass storage container in the freezer.

MEASURE THE INGREDIENTS – Use a scale to measure the ingredients, zeroing the scale between measurements.

  • Into a small saucepan, measure the cream, hazelnut paste and corn syrup.
    French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
  • Into the mixing bowl of the stand mixer, measure the egg, egg yolk, sugar and salt.
  • Into a small bowl, measure the crème fraîche, and liqueur.

MIX THE INGREDIENTS

  • In the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, sugar and salt for at least 2 minutes on medium speed.
  • While the stand mixer is whisking the eggs and sugar, put the saucepan on the stove and bring the cream, hazelnut paste and corn syrup to a simmer and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
  • Switch the mixer to low speed and very slowly add the cream mixture.
    French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
  • Continue whisking on low and add the crème fraîche and liqueur mixture. Whisk just until combined. The mixture should be 160 degrees F or more at this point.
    French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
  • Refrigerate overnight, or you can use an ice bath to bring it down to 45° F, if you are in a hurry. Refrigerating overnight will improve the flavors.

FREEZE THE MIXTURE

  • Pre-chill the ice cream maker by letting it run for 5 minutes before adding the mixture.
  • Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and freeze it according to the directions.
    Whynter ice cream maker
  • When the ice cream maker is finished, quickly transfer the ice cream into the glass container that has been in the freezer, cover, and put it back in the freezer over night to harden.
  • Store in the freezer for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 123mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 5452IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg

WHY THIS RECIPE IS SUSTAINABLE:

Check out the chart on the blog post to see how food choices affect climate change. This recipe uses responsible brands and items that are lower on the chart and the production creates less greenhouse gas.

https://tonyfitzgeraldphotography.com/2022/11/16/best-hazelnut-ice-cream-recipe/
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Nutrition Facts
Best Hazelnut Ice Cream Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
259
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
 
12
g
75
%
Trans Fat
 
0.003
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Cholesterol
 
89
mg
30
%
Sodium
 
91
mg
4
%
Potassium
 
123
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
21
g
7
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
19
g
21
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
5452
IU
109
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
48
mg
5
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.


Photos by Tony Fitzgerald Photography

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