A New 4th of July Classic: Sweet Corn Blueberry Ice Cream

Is there anything more perfect for the 4th of July than ice cream? Of course not…unless you flavor it with sweet corn and blueberries. Developed by Ashley Bottoms, the head chef behind beloved Chattanooga ice cream institution Clumpies Ice Cream Co., which has been handcrafting ice cream since 1999, the following recipe is as American as apple pie—and even more delicious. Red, white, and a little bit blue, the dessert incorporates classic summer ingredients and is sure to be a hit at your barbecue. Here’s how to make it at home.  

Sweet Corn Blueberry Ice Cream

Yields 1.5 quarts

Ingredients:
Blueberry Swirl
1 cup blueberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice

Sweet Corn Ice Cream
2 cup whole milk
2 cup heavy cream
1 3/8 cups sugar, granulated
8 egg yolks
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 ear of fresh corn, shucked

Directions:
To make the blueberry swirl, combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in small bowl and let sit at room temperature, tossing occasionally. Once the berries have become juicy and vibrant, smash or puree them to your preferred consistency and set aside.

To make the ice cream:

1. Cut the corn off the cob, combine with 1/8 cup sugar, and cook over low heat until softened and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Bring milk, cream, 1 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla extract to a simmer in a heavy saucepan.
4. Remove pan from heat and gradually whisk mixture in to the egg yolks
5. Return mixture to pan and place over low heat stirring constantly until it reaches 170 degrees (it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon).
6. Remove from heat, strain into a bowl, add the corn mixture, and place in an ice bath to cool.
7. Once the custard is cool, puree until smooth, then pass it through a fine sieve. Discard solids.
8. Churn custard in machine until desired consistency is reached (we recommend a “soft-serve” texture). Transfer the ice cream to a chilled storage container, alternating between the ice cream and the blueberry swirl.

We recommend pairing the ice cream with classic Fourth of July fare and fireworks. And if you’re in the Chattanooga area, be sure to visit one of the Clumpies Ice Cream Co. locations to sample some of their innovative flavors in person.

Recipe courtesy of Clumpies Ice Cream Co. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Photography by The Scout Guide Chattanooga.