Sweet Corn Ice Cream Recipe: The Best Creamy Summer Delight

Sweet Corn Ice Cream transforms peak-season corn into a rich, creamy dessert that tastes just like summer. It’s the perfect way to use up a surplus of sweet corn after the usual rounds of grilled corn, chowder, or salad. This recipe captures the corn’s natural sweetness and pairs it with the cool indulgence of homemade ice cream, offering a fresh take on a classic summer flavor. Simple, satisfying, and just a little unexpected, it’s the scoop you didn’t know you were craving.

In this article, you’ll explore what sweet corn ice cream tastes like, how it became a favorite across cultures (especially in Korea!), how to make it yourself, and why this unlikely flavor combo is quickly becoming the star of summer.

Let’s dive into a dessert that’s nostalgic, modern, and unforgettable all at once.

Table of Contents

What is Sweet Corn Ice Cream?

The Origin of Sweet Corn as Dessert

Sweet corn ice cream might sound unusual, but it’s a classic in many cultures. From Southeast Asia to South America, corn has long had a sweet side. When blended into ice cream, it delivers a mild, creamy flavor that’s rich, comforting, and totally unique.

How It Differs from Regular Ice Cream

Unlike chocolate or vanilla, sweet corn ice cream brings a savory-sweet balance. It’s earthy, naturally sweet, and pairs well with ingredients like coconut, cinnamon, or honey. This isn’t just a twist—it’s a whole new scoop of summer.

Print

Ingredients that Make Sweet Corn Ice Cream Special

Fresh, Simple, and Full of Flavor

Sweet corn ice cream is all about using a few fresh ingredients to create something rich and surprising. Every element plays a key role in achieving that smooth, scoopable texture and naturally sweet taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 2 large ears of fresh sweet corn
  The star of the show. Fresh summer corn adds natural sugar, flavor depth, and that unmistakable golden hue.
• 1 cup whole milk
  This keeps the base light while still creamy. Whole milk complements the corn nicely, enhancing its flavor without overwhelming it.
• 2 cups heavy cream
  Essential for that lush, soft texture. Heavy cream adds a luxurious richness and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the ice cream.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
  Just enough to boost the corn’s natural sweetness without making it cloying.
• 5 large egg yolks
  These create a silky custard base. Egg yolks thicken the mixture and give it a smooth, luxurious texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Vanilla balances the earthy notes of the corn and ties the whole flavor together.
• ⅛ teaspoon table salt
  A small pinch enhances all the other flavors and makes the sweetness pop.

The magic of this recipe lies in balance. The sweetness of corn pairs beautifully with the richness of cream and eggs, while vanilla adds warmth and depth. Using fresh ears of corn (rather than canned) brings out a fresh, grassy sweetness that elevates the entire dessert.

How to Make Sweet Corn Ice Cream at Home

Step-by-Step Homemade Sweet Corn Ice Cream Recipe

Making sweet corn ice cream from scratch may sound advanced, but with the right steps, it’s totally doable in any home kitchen. The combination of fresh corn, cream, and egg yolks creates a rich custard base that churns into the most luscious, scoopable summer dessert.

Step 1: Prep the Corn

Start by cutting the kernels off 2 large ears of fresh corn. Blend the corn kernels in a blender or food processor until smooth. Next, cut the empty cobs in half, they’ll be steeped in the custard to release even more flavor.

Step 2: Simmer and Steep

In a small saucepan, combine:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• The pureed corn
• The halved corn cobs
• ½ of the granulated sugar (about ⅜ cup)

Heat the mixture over medium-high until the milk is just scalding; hot but not boiling over. Remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes. This allows the cream to absorb the fullest corn flavor.

Step 3: Remove Cobs and Reheat

Once steeped, take out the corn cobs and set them aside. Reheat the mixture again to scalding temperature before moving on to the egg base.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• 5 large egg yolks
• The remaining ⅜ cup sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon table salt

Step 5: Temper the Eggs

Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to gently temper them. Once blended, return the mixture to the saucepan.

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon or spatula—this forms your custard base.

Step 6: Strain and Cool

Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl, pressing down on the corn solids to extract every bit of liquid. Discard the solids.

Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Return the corn cobs to the warm custard to soak while it cools. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours, or ideally overnight.

Step 7: Churn and Freeze

Take out the corn cobs and scrape off any cream clinging to them, adding it back into the custard to capture every bit of flavor. Then churn the custard in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Scoop the churned ice cream into a container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface, then cover and freeze for several hours or overnight until firm.

Tips for Success

• Choose fresh, peak-season sweet corn to achieve the best and most vibrant flavor.
• Don’t rush the chilling process, cold custard churns better and yields a smoother texture.

Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions

Best Toppings for Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Sweet corn ice cream is surprisingly versatile when it comes to toppings. Whether you want to highlight its natural sweetness or create contrast, there’s no shortage of ideas to elevate your scoop.

• Caramel drizzle – The deep, buttery sweetness of caramel enhances the corn’s rich flavor.
• Toasted coconut flakes – Add crunch and a tropical vibe.
• Crushed graham crackers or cornflakes – For a breakfast-meets-dessert crunch.
• A sprinkle of sea salt or chili powder – A bold move that wakes up the sweetness.
• Fresh berries – Bright and tart, they balance the ice cream’s creamy richness.

You can also add a scoop to pies like pecan or peach for an unforgettable twist.

Creative Ways to Serve It

Sweet corn ice cream isn’t just for cones and bowls. Try these fresh serving ideas:

In a milkshake – Blend with a splash of whole milk and a hint of honey.

Ice cream sandwiches – Use soft sugar cookies or cornbread rounds for a fun spin.

With waffles or pancakes – A dessert-for-breakfast move that works beautifully.

In a parfait – Layer with crushed cookies and fluffy whipped cream.

On grilled fruit – Especially peaches or pineapple, for a sweet-savory finish.

Conclusion

Sweet corn ice cream may not be the first flavor you think of—but once you try it, it might just become a summer favorite. It’s a creamy, flavorful twist on tradition that captures everything we love about the season: fresh ingredients, creativity in the kitchen, and the joy of trying something new.

Whether you make it from scratch or try the Korean-style version from the freezer aisle, sweet corn ice cream is proof that the best desserts often come from unexpected places. So the next time you have a few ears of corn on hand, skip the grill and head for the blender—your next favorite scoop might just be waiting in the freezer.

For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest.

FAQs About Sweet Corn Ice Cream