Discover the enchanting flavor of Jamaican Grape Nut Ice Cream – a luxurious vanilla custard treat that perfectly balances creamy sweetness with a delightful hint of nutty crunch and a touch of salt. It’s truly a unique dessert experience!
My first unforgettable encounter with Grape Nut Ice Cream happened back in 2013 during a winter escape to the beautiful island of Jamaica. This tropical paradise offered more than just sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear waters; it introduced me to a dessert that would forever capture my heart and palate.
One evening, after a day filled with exploration and relaxation, we were served this intriguing ice cream for dessert. My friends, Ted and Betsy, and I were instantly captivated. Its rich, creamy texture and perplexing flavor left us guessing. We couldn’t quite pinpoint what made it so incredibly delicious, but one thing was certain: we all absolutely adored it!
Curiosity finally got the better of us, and we asked one of the friendly servers about the mystery ingredient. With a warm smile and a distinctive island accent, he simply replied, “Grape Nuts, Mon!” The revelation was as surprising as it was delightful.
During those years, it was a cherished tradition for my friends and me to travel somewhere warm each winter. Jamaica quickly became, and still remains, our absolute favorite destination. While I cherish vacations with my kids, which we enjoy several times a year, these adult getaways hold a special place in my heart for their pure, unadulterated relaxation. On these trips, cooking is a forgotten chore, fruity frozen drinks with tiny umbrellas are a staple, and the concept of time simply melts away.
Since that initial discovery, we’ve returned to Jamaica numerous times, and with each visit, our first request is always for the irresistible Grape Nut Ice Cream. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of paradise, a sweet reminder of those carefree moments.
Grape Nut Ice Cream: A Caribbean Delight with Surprising Roots
While we stumbled upon this unique Caribbean ice cream flavor in Jamaica and initially believed it originated there, a bit of culinary research unveiled its broader appeal. Interestingly, Grape Nut Ice Cream is also a beloved treat in the Canadian Maritimes, particularly Nova Scotia, and even extends its popularity down to New England. Who would have thought a cereal-infused dessert could span such diverse regions? (Well, I guess we both do now!)
Further investigation revealed that Gifford’s Dairy in Maine has been crafting and selling their version of Grape Nut Ice Cream for years, cementing its status as a regional classic. This discovery only adds to the intriguing story of this dessert and makes a trip to the Northeast sound incredibly tempting, doesn’t it?
You might also hear this delightful confection referred to by a few other names, such as “Grain Nut Ice Cream” or “Great Nut Ice Cream,” depending on the locale. Regardless of what you call it, the unique combination of creamy ice cream and crunchy cereal remains a winning formula.
What is Grape Nut Ice Cream Made Of? Unveiling the Simple Magic
The beauty of homemade Grape Nut Ice Cream lies in its surprisingly simple list of ingredients, which combine to create an extraordinary flavor. You’ll need just a few kitchen staples: fresh egg yolks, rich heavy cream, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and, of course, the star of the show – Post Grape Nuts cereal.
The foundation of this delectable dessert is a classic vanilla custard. This involves meticulously preparing a traditional custard base by whipping egg yolks and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. This mixture is then tempered with warm cream, slowly incorporated to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The entire custard mixture is then gently heated over the stove, typically reaching a temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a smooth, thick consistency.
Once the custard is cooked to perfection, it’s crucial to chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This cooling period is vital for achieving the ideal texture in your final ice cream. After chilling, the pure vanilla extract and the Grape Nuts cereal are folded in, infusing the custard with their distinct flavors. Finally, the mixture is transferred to an ice cream maker and frozen according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The result is a sumptuously sweet, intensely rich, and incredibly creamy frozen custard, perfectly complemented by a subtle salty and nutty undertone from the cereal.
One common question people have is about the texture of the Grape Nuts in the ice cream. Rest assured, they don’t remain rock-hard as they are straight from the box. Instead, once they’ve had a chance to soak in the creamy custard, their texture transforms, becoming delightfully softened yet still providing a pleasant, chewable crunch – much like cereal that has been soaking in milk for a few minutes. This unique textural contrast is a hallmark of Grape Nut Ice Cream and contributes significantly to its charm.
What Exactly is a Grape Nut Anyway? The Cereal’s Surprising Story
Here’s a fun fact that often surprises people: Grape Nuts cereal contains neither grapes nor nuts! This iconic breakfast cereal, a staple in many households, was actually created by C.W. Post way back in 1897. It’s primarily made from wheat and barley. The process involves baking a dough-like batter into a large sheet, which is then ground into small, dense kernels using a coffee grinder. The name “Grape Nuts” comes from Post’s belief that glucose, a sugar he called “grape sugar,” was formed during the baking process, and the cereal’s nutty flavor was a natural outcome of its composition. Hence, the memorable name was born.
Grape Nuts are famously crunchy, offering a distinctive texture and a flavor profile that is both nutty and subtly malty. This unique taste and texture make them an absolutely fantastic pairing with creamy vanilla frozen custard, creating a harmony that is both unexpected and deeply satisfying.
Crafting Homemade Grape Nut Ice Cream: Bringing Jamaica to Your Kitchen
As much as I’d love to simply snap my fingers and instantly find myself on a Jamaican beach, enjoying this heavenly frozen confection whenever the craving strikes, reality, sadly, doesn’t quite work that way. This longing led me on a mission to recreate this delightful dessert in my own kitchen, bringing a piece of that tropical paradise home.
Trust me, mastering this recipe at home won’t deter me from future visits to Jamaica – the allure of the island is far too strong! But it has certainly been wonderful to enjoy a taste of that vacation bliss throughout the year. When I first embarked on this culinary adventure, only a handful of recipes for Grape Nut Ice Cream were available. After some experimentation, I found and settled on a recipe from Epicurious. It proved to be absolutely fabulous then, and it remains my go-to recipe to this day. One invaluable lesson I’ve learned from countless batches? Always, always double the recipe. You’ll thank yourself later when you realize how quickly it disappears!
Love It? Pin It for Later!
If you’re already dreaming of indulging in this fantastic Jamaican ice cream favorite, don’t let this recipe slip away! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now, so you can easily find it when you’re ready to churn up your own batch of tropical delight!
Explore More Jamaican & Caribbean Recipes to Enjoy
Our love for Caribbean cuisine runs deep, and I’ve been steadily expanding my collection of Jamaican-inspired recipes. If you’re looking to bring more island flavors into your home, here are some other beloved favorites that I highly recommend:
- Jamaican Sweet Coconut Rice – the perfect fragrant side dish, pictured above, a staple for any Caribbean feast.
- Dirty Monkey Cocktails – a fun, frosty, and deliciously boozy beverage that tastes like a vacation in a glass.
- Tropical Chicken Nachos with Tropical Salsa – a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic nachos, bursting with fresh island ingredients.
- Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken – tender chicken infused with authentic jerk spices and a sweet glaze, a true taste of Jamaica.
- Spicy Caribbean Shrimp Appetizer – a zesty and invigorating dish that’s perfect for starting any island-themed meal.
See ALL of my Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Recipes
Hey, Mon! What do you say we dive into this fantastic Jamaican Grape Nut Ice Cream Recipe? It’s time to bring those island vibes right into your kitchen! 
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Print Recipe
Grape Nut Ice Cream
Jamaican Grape Nut Ice Cream is a rich vanilla custard ice cream. It’s a creamy sweet and a little salty, it’s slightly nutty and oh so delightful!
Equipment
- Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 3 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1 cup Grape Nut cereal
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a metal bowl, whip the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- In a separate metal bowl placed over a pan of gently boiling water on the stove (or use a double boiler), gently warm 2 cups of the heavy cream. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Slowly and steadily stream the warm cream into the egg mixture while continuously whisking to create the custard base. This tempering step is crucial for a smooth custard.
- Place the custard mixture (still in its metal bowl) back over the gently boiling water (or in your double boiler).
- Stir the custard constantly with a wooden spoon until a thermometer inserted into the mixture reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 77 degrees Celsius). This ensures the custard is properly cooked and thickened.
- Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup of cold heavy cream. Transfer the custard to the refrigerator and allow it to cool completely for about an hour.
- Once the custard is thoroughly chilled, stir in the vanilla extract and the Grape Nuts cereal.
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker.
- Freeze the ice cream according to your specific ice cream maker’s instructions.
- For a firmer consistency, pour the churned ice cream into a metal loaf pan, cover it, and place it in your freezer for a few hours until it reaches your desired firmness.
Notes
You can enjoy the ice cream immediately after churning for a soft-serve consistency, or freeze it longer for a firmer scoop.
Recipe adapted from epicurious.com
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Serving: 1
Calories: 387 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 211mg
Sodium: 117mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 17g