On a recent trip to Momofuku Milk Bar, I tried their iconic ice cream flavor called Purple Drink. It’s not just a playful name—it’s a vibrant, creamy swirl that captures the bold, nostalgic taste of Concord grapes in every bite. One scoop was enough to take me back to childhood grape juice days, but with a grown-up twist.
That flavor stuck with me, and I couldn’t shake the idea of recreating it at home. After a few experiments, I came up with my own version: Classic Concord Grape Ice Cream.
Why Concord Grapes?
If you’ve ever tasted a Concord grape, you know it’s not your average fruit. It’s sweet, tangy, and full of that signature grape punch—perfect for turning into a rich, creamy dessert. They’re also super nostalgic for anyone who grew up with grape jelly sandwiches or sipping grape juice.
Why You Should Try This
If you’re a fan of bold, fruity flavors or just love trying creative ice cream recipes, this Classic Concord Grape Ice Cream is a must-make. Concord grapes have a unique, nostalgic flavor that instantly takes you back to childhood, but this ice cream transforms that familiar taste into something a little more sophisticated. It’s creamy, sweet, and refreshing all at once.
What sets this ice cream apart is its balance of rich, creamy texture with the punchy, natural tartness of real grapes. Unlike artificial grape flavors, using fresh Concord grapes gives each bite a deep, authentic taste that lingers without being overpowering.
Plus, if you’re someone who enjoys making desserts from scratch, this recipe is both rewarding and fun to experiment with. You can tweak the sweetness, add mix-ins like crushed graham crackers for crunch, or swirl in a bit of yogurt for a tangy contrast. It’s also a great conversation starter—who wouldn’t be intrigued by homemade grape ice cream?
Even if you’ve never made ice cream at home before, this recipe is beginner-friendly with just a few key steps. And the best part? You’ll have a scoopable dessert that feels like a gourmet treat but tastes like pure, nostalgic comfort.
In short, whether you’re reliving childhood memories, trying something new, or just craving a refreshing dessert, this recipe is worth every creamy, grape-filled bite.
Non-Traditional Concord Grape Sorbet and Ice Cream Recipe
For the Ice Cream:
Start by preparing about 8 cups of Concord grapes. After destemming, cook them until slightly soft, cool, then pulse in a blender. Strain through a sieve to remove seeds and solids. Return the smooth juice to the pot, add a cup of sugar, and dissolve over low heat. Cool to lukewarm before blending in two cups of heavy cream. Once mixed, chill thoroughly in a freezer before churning in an ice cream maker. The result is a creamy, vibrant Concord grape ice cream that scooped up compliments and second helpings alike.
For the Sorbet:
Similarly, start with 8 cups of Concord grapes, adding a cup of water and the juice of half a lemon. After cooking and mashing, chill, blend, and strain as with the ice cream. Dissolve a cup of sugar in the juice over low heat, then chill. Churn in an ice cream maker until it sets to a delectably dark Concord grape sorbet.
For those who prefer an even smoother texture, consider deseeding the grapes before cooking. Yet for many, the process of creation—whether it involves seeds or not—adds to the charm of homemade desserts.
Traditional Concord Grape Ice Cream Recipe
For a more classical approach, combine:
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of milk
- 1.75 cups of sugar
- A pinch of sea salt
Cook these with 8 cups of Concord grapes and a quarter cup of water until the grapes soften. After cooling, blend and strain for juice. In another pan, warm the cream and milk with half the sugar. Whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar, and temper with the hot milk mixture to make a light custard. Mix in the grape juice, chill thoroughly, then churn in an ice cream maker and freeze until set.
These recipes invite one to not only relish the luscious flavors of Concord grapes but also to experiment and indulge in the joy of creating something uniquely delightful, echoing the innovative spirit that real cooking is all about.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes: Classic Concord Grape Ice Cream
- When selecting Concord grapes, choose ones that are plump, deeply purple, and slightly fragrant for the best flavor. Rinse them thoroughly before using to remove any dirt or residue.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, ensure the grape juice is well-strained to remove all solids. A fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth works best for a silky consistency.
- Tempering the egg yolks properly is key to avoiding scrambled eggs in the custard. Slowly whisk in the heated cream mixture while stirring constantly for a smooth custard base.
- For a deeper grape flavor, consider reducing the grape juice slightly over low heat before adding it to the custard. This intensifies the natural sweetness and aroma.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours to achieve a creamy texture.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to achieve a softer, creamier consistency.
- Garnish with fresh Concord grapes or a drizzle of grape reduction to enhance both the visual appeal and flavor.
Classic Concord Grape Ice Cream
Dive into the nostalgic sweetness of our Classic Concord Grape Ice Cream! Perfect for recapturing those cherished childhood memories, this recipe offers a creamy, grape-infused delight that tantalizes your taste buds. Simple to prepare and utterly comforting, it ensures a sweet retreat into the flavors of yesterday, making it the perfect dessert for any gathering or a cozy night in.
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Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
4 large egg yolks
16 fluid ounces heavy cream
8 fluid ounces whole milk
14 ounces granulated sugar
8 cups Concord grapes
a dash of sea salt
2 ounces water
- Alternative Ingredients
Light cream instead of heavy cream for a less rich version
Honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar for a natural sweetness alternative
Directions
- Cooking Grapes – In a large saucepan, add Concord grapes and water. Heat over a low flame until the grapes begin to release their juices and the mixture starts to bubble. Using a wooden spoon, mash the grapes gently to aid in breaking them down. Allow this mixture to cool, then give it a quick pulse in a blender to ensure all grapes are finely broken. Strain through a sieve to remove solids and seeds, saving the clear grape juice.
- Preparing Custard – Combine heavy cream, milk, and half of the sugar in a separate saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat while stirring occasionally. In a different bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale. Slowly mix a small amount of the heated cream into the yolks to temper them, then pour this back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream mixture. Heat over a low flame, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly into a light custard. Mix in the cooled grape juice until combined.
- Chilling and Churning – Pour the mixture into a large bowl and allow it to cool completely. Chill in the refrigerator. Once chilled, transfer to an ice cream maker and churn as per manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream is ready, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze until it is firm.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Mixing Bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- saucepan
- sieve
- ice cream maker
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 620kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 245mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Potassium: 340mg
- Carbohydrates: 69g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 58g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 1300IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 140mg
- Iron: 0.7mg
Thai Coconut Ice Cream Sundae
Cooks in 1500 minutesDifficulty: MediumDive into the exotic flavors of Thailand with this authentic Thai Coconut Ice Cream Sundae! This vegan treat is a delightful blend of creamy coconut ice cream and sweet sticky rice, served in a fluffy bun or bowl. Perfect for a refreshing dessert that transports you straight to the streets of Thailand. Plan ahead for the best results, and enjoy this unique, delicious dessert!
Can I use store-bought grape juice instead of fresh Concord grapes?
Fresh Concord grapes provide a rich, authentic flavor that is hard to replicate with store-bought juice. However, if fresh grapes are unavailable, you can use 100% pure Concord grape juice, but expect a slightly different taste and texture.
How can I prevent my ice cream from becoming too icy?
Ensuring the custard base is well-emulsified and chilled before churning helps reduce iciness. Additionally, using a high-fat content from heavy cream and not over-churning the mixture will maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. However, this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, if you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can use the no-churn method. Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish, freeze it, and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
How long does this ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream is best consumed within two weeks for optimal flavor and texture. Store it in an airtight container with a layer of parchment paper on top to prevent ice crystals from forming.
