Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood by the window, the gentle summer breeze brought a hint of floral sweetness into my kitchen, sparking an idea that would transform my day. Enter the glorious Creamy Rose Ice Cream, a delightful frozen treat that combines lush creaminess with the refreshing scent of rose water. Not only is this recipe incredibly straightforward to whip up, but it’s also a scrumptious gluten-free and egg-free option perfect for those seeking a light yet indulgent dessert. Pair it with crunchy pistachios for a contrast that elevates this divine experience to new heights. Are you curious to discover how to create this stunning summer dessert at home? Let’s dive in! Why is Rose Ice Cream So Special? Unique Flavor: The enchanting taste of rose water elevates this ice cream above traditional flavors, making it a delightful surprise for your taste buds. Creamy Texture: With a luscious base of heavy cream and milk, each scoop melts smoothly, reminiscent of gourmet gelato. Simple Ingredients: Crafted from natural components like sugar and cornstarch, this recipe is not only accessible but ensures a wholesome treat. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summertime gathering or a cozy night in, this icy delight is sure to impress friends and family alike. Easy to Customize: Feel free to get creative—try adding spices like cinnamon or replacing pistachios with candied almonds for a twist, similar to the delightful combinations in my Orange Creamsicle Cookies or Tomato Pasta One. Indulging in this Rose Ice Cream will not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide a burst of floral freshness, making it a memorable culinary experience! Rose Ice Cream Ingredients For the Base • Whole Milk – Provides a creamy base; you can use 2% milk for a lighter option. • Sugar – Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference. • Corn Starch – Thickens the ice cream without eggs; arrowroot powder is a good substitute. • Salt – Enhances flavor; consider using sea salt for depth. • Rose Water – The star flavor; start with 1 tbsp for a gentle taste, adjusting as needed. • Heavy Cream – Contributes to richness; coconut cream makes a great dairy-free alternative. • Vanilla Extract – This optional ingredient adds warmth to the flavor profile. For Coloring • Chopped Beets or Pink Food Coloring – Offers natural color; beets add a unique flavor, while food coloring is easier to use. For the Toppings • Chopped Pistachios – Provides delightful crunch; consider toasting them for extra flavor. • Candied Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, or Macadamia Nuts) – Offers variation in textures; use your favorite nut for a personal touch. • Maple Syrup – Sweetens and adds a caramel-like depth; use a bit less if using walnuts. • Ground Cardamom or Cinnamon – Optional spices for added warmth and richness. • Waffle Cookies and Rose Petals – Fantastic garnishes to elevate your presentation. With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a delightful batch of Rose Ice Cream that’s sure to create lasting memories! Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Rose Ice Cream with Pistachios Step 1: Prepare the Corn Starch Mixture In a small bowl, dissolve the corn starch in ½ cup of the whole milk, stirring until you have a smooth mixture without lumps. This will act as a thickener for your Creamy Rose Ice Cream. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Step 2: Heat the Milk and Sugar In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining milk and sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble gently, approximately 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, and feel the anticipation for your creamy base! Step 3: Thicken the Mixture Once the milk and sugar mixture is boiling, whisk in the pre-dissolved corn starch gradually. Lower the heat to simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has turned into a rich custard consistency. Step 4: Cool the Custard Immediately transfer the thickened custard into a large bowl set inside an ice bath—this helps cool it down quickly. Stir occasionally as it cools to prevent any skin from forming. Once it’s at room temperature, place it in the fridge to chill further for at least an hour. Step 5: Blend the Beet-Pink Mixture While the custard cools, blend the chopped beets with a few tablespoons of water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to separate the juice, creating a vibrant and natural pink coloring. Combine this beet-rose water with the cooled custard, enhancing the beautiful color of your Rose Ice Cream. Step 6: Mix in Remaining Ingredients Add the heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract to the beet-infused custard. Whisk everything together until you have a well-combined mixture that feels luxurious. Taste it and adjust the rose water if you desire a more pronounced floral flavor. Step 7: Chill the Mixture Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for several hours or ideally overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making your Creamy Rose Ice Cream even more delightful when it’s time to churn. Step 8: Churn the Ice Cream Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions to churn until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, which should take about 20-25 minutes. Add the chopped pistachios in the last few minutes of churning for an extra crunch. Step 9: Freeze to Firm Up Transfer the churned Rose Ice Cream to an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Press a piece of parchment paper against the ice cream’s surface to minimize ice crystals, and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm enough to scoop. Step 10: Serve and Garnish Scoop the creamy rose ice cream into bowls or cones and serve it with a delightful topping of whipped cream, candied nuts, and fresh rose petals for an elegant presentation. Enjoy this floral-inspired treat on a warm summer day! Make Ahead Options These Creamy Rose Ice Cream treats are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance by following steps 1 through 5, then cover and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. To maintain the rich creaminess, make sure to chill it thoroughly and press parchment paper against the surface if you’re storing it in a bowl. When you’re ready to churn, simply whip it up, add in the pistachios during the last few minutes, and freeze the ice cream for another 4 hours until it’s firm. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dessert without the last-minute rush! Expert Tips for Making Rose Ice Cream Flavor Balance: Start with a smaller amount of rose water and gradually add more until it suits your taste; this prevents overwhelming floral notes in your Rose Ice Cream. Cooling Precaution: Be diligent about cooling the custard completely before adding it to the ice cream maker to avoid curdling and ensure a smooth texture. Storage Solution: Store your ice cream in an airtight container with parchment paper covering the top; this helps to avoid ice crystals and keeps the texture creamy. Nut Variation: Feel free to substitute pistachios with your favorite nuts, but toast them first to enhance their flavor and crunch. Personal Touch: Experiment with adding spices like ground cardamom or cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth in your Rose Ice Cream, creating a unique flavor experience. Rose Ice Cream Variations & Substitutions Get ready to bring your own twist to this delightful Rose Ice Cream recipe with these easy variations! Dairy-Free: Replace whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk and coconut cream for a tropical, dairy-free version. Sweetener Swap: Try using honey or agave syrup in place of sugar for a different sweetness profile. Nut Variations: Substitute chopped pistachios with your favorite nuts like almonds or walnuts for diverse texture and flavor options. Toasting them adds a delightful crunch! Floral Alternatives: Experiment with lavender or hibiscus instead of rose water for unique floral notes. This can create a mesmerizing twist on the classic flavor. Spice Up: Add a pinch of saffron or cardamom to the base mixture for an aromatic and exotic touch. These spices intertwine beautifully with the floral essence. Fruit Infusion: Blend in fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity flavor explosion. You’ll achieve a refreshing fruit-rose combination that’s simply scrumptious! Dark Chocolate Delight: Swirl in melted dark chocolate or chocolate chips just before freezing for a rich and indulgent version that complements the floral sweetness wonderfully. Serving Style: Instead of traditional bowls, serve this decadent ice cream atop waffle cones or crumbled waffle cookies, and garnish with edible flowers for a lovely presentation. Don’t hesitate to explore these variations—it’s all about finding the perfect combination that delights your palate just the way you like it. And while you’re experimenting, why not complement your dessert with a side of my delightful Iced Brown Sugar for a refreshing drink? Enjoy your culinary journey! What to Serve with Creamy Rose Ice Cream? Indulge your senses by crafting a beautiful and balanced meal that complements the enchanting flavor of this creamy frozen treat. Waffle Cookies: These crispy, airy delights add a delightful crunch while echoing the dessert’s sweet notes. They’re perfect for serving alongside your ice cream. Fresh Berries: Mixed berries such as strawberries or raspberries provide a juicy pop of tartness, cutting through the creaminess of the ice cream and enhancing its floral flavor. Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves not only brings brightness but also a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the ice cream, adding a vibrant color to your presentation. Saffron Honey Drizzle: Elevate your serving with a drizzle of saffron-infused honey for an exotic touch that enhances the floral notes of the rose ice cream. Coconut Granola: A sprinkle of lightly sweetened coconut granola introduces baked flavors and insoluble textures, adding delightful contrast to the silkiness of the ice cream. Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai invites comforting spices that form a cozy pairing with the rose flavor, making for a perfect after-dinner experience. Milkshake Version: Blend scoops of rose ice cream with milk for a luxurious, creamy milkshake that becomes a crowd-pleaser and a deliciously indulgent treat. Almond Biscotti: The crunchy nature of biscotti perfectly complements the smooth ice cream while contributing a nutty undertone that harmonizes beautifully with the rose water flavor. Make each element sing with joy alongside your Rose Ice Cream for a truly delightful summer feast! How to Store and Freeze Rose Ice Cream Fridge: Store any leftover Rose Ice Cream in the fridge for up to 3 days, but be aware that it may lose its creamy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, keep the Rose Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last up to 2 weeks while maintaining its delightful flavor. Covering: Place a sheet of parchment paper directly against the ice cream before sealing the container to prevent ice crystals from forming, ensuring a velvety texture. Reheating: If the ice cream hardens too much, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect serving consistency. Rose Ice Cream Recipe FAQs What type of milk is best for making Rose Ice Cream? I recommend using whole milk for a creamier texture, but you can opt for 2% milk if you prefer a lighter option. The difference in richness really shines through, so feel free to experiment based on your taste! How should I store leftover Rose Ice Cream? For the best preservation, store any leftover Rose Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will keep its delightful flavor for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to place a sheet of parchment paper directly against the surface before sealing to prevent pesky ice crystals from forming. Can I freeze Rose Ice Cream for an extended period? Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Just be aware that the texture may slightly change after that due to ice crystal formation. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping. What if my Rose Ice Cream turns too icy or hard? If you find that your ice cream has become overly icy or hard, check that it’s stored correctly. Parchment paper helps prevent ice crystals, and also consider churning it again in the ice cream maker. This can revive its creamy texture. Allowing it to soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving can also help it return to a scoopable consistency. Is Rose Ice Cream safe for pets, especially dogs? It’s best to avoid giving your pets rose ice cream or any human desserts. While rose petals are non-toxic, many ingredients like sugar and cream are not ideal for pets, and chocolate or other additives can be harmful. If you’re looking to make a treat for your furry friends, consider making a pet-friendly version without these ingredients. How can I adjust the flavor strength when using rose water? When using rose water, start with just 1 tablespoon for a subtle flavor, and then taste as you go. If you’re aiming for a stronger rose flavor, you can gradually add more until you reach your desired intensity. This way, you can avoid overpowering the ice cream with floral notes. Creamy Rose Ice Cream with Pistachios for a Dreamy Chill No ratings yet Indulge in this Creamy Rose Ice Cream, a delightful gluten-free and egg-free dessert combining floral freshness with crunchy pistachios. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 50 minutes mins Servings: 4 cupsCourse: DessertCuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 cups Whole Milk You can use 2% milk for a lighter option.3/4 cup Sugar Feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.2 tablespoons Corn Starch Arrowroot powder is a good substitute.1/4 teaspoon Salt Consider using sea salt for depth.1 tablespoon Rose Water Adjust amount to taste.1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream makes a great dairy-free alternative.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Optional ingredient.For Coloring1/2 cup Chopped Beets Natural color source.Pink Food Coloring Easier to use option.For the Toppings1/2 cup Chopped Pistachios Consider toasting them for extra flavor.1/2 cup Candied Nuts Almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Use less if using walnuts.1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom Optional spice.1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon Optional spice.Waffle Cookies For garnish.Rose Petals For garnish. Equipment ice cream makersaucepanMixing Bowlfine-mesh sieve Method Preparation StepsPrepare the corn starch mixture by dissolving it in ½ cup of whole milk.Heat the remaining milk and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.Whisk in the corn starch mixture gradually and simmer until thickened.Transfer the custard to a bowl in an ice bath to cool, then refrigerate for at least an hour.Blend chopped beets with water, strain to extract juice, and combine with the cooled custard.Mix in the heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract, then adjust rose water to taste.Refrigerate the mixture for several hours or overnight.Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the instructions.Freeze in an airtight container for at least 4 hours before serving.Serve in bowls or cones and garnish with toppings. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg NotesExperiment with spices or nut substitutions for personal touches. Store ice cream with parchment paper to avoid ice crystals. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!