Blue Cheese and Buttered Pear Ice Cream with Danish Blue
A sophisticated frozen dessert that balances the bold, tangy flavor of Danish blue cheese with sweet caramelized pears and rich custard. The creamy base incorporates melted blue cheese creating delightful savory notes, while butter-sauteed pear chunks add natural sweetness and texture. Perfect for adventurous dessert lovers seeking an unexpected flavor combination or as an elegant finish to dinner parties. The contrast between salty cheese and sweet fruit creates a complex, memorable treat that challenges traditional ice cream expectations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat half and half in heavy bottomed pan on low to gentle simmer
- 2
Whisk egg yolks and sugar until light and pale yellow
- 3
Pour hot milk into yolks in slow steady stream while whisking continuously
- 4
Wash pan and return yolk-milk mixture to it
- 5
Cook over low heat stirring constantly with wooden spoon until custard thickens and coats back of spoon
- 6
Remove from heat and place in cold water pan while stirring to stop cooking
- 7
Crumble cheese in another pan and pour hot custard over it stirring to melt and combine
- 8
Add condensed milk and mix to incorporate then set aside to cool
- 9
Melt butter in frying pan and add pear chunks cooking until soft and slightly browned
- 10
Cool pears completely then chill custard in refrigerator for one hour
- 11
Transfer to ice cream maker and follow machine instructions
- 12
Fold in buttered pears just before final freeze without disturbing volume
Tips
Keep some blue cheese chunks for texture rather than melting completely smooth
Chill custard base thoroughly before churning for better ice cream texture
Fold pears in gently at the end to prevent breaking and maintain distinct pieces
Good to Know
Store covered in freezer for up to 2 weeks
Can make custard base 1 day ahead and chill before churning
Let soften 5-10 minutes before scooping for best texture
Common Mistakes
Temper yolks slowly to avoid scrambling eggs
Cool custard completely before churning to prevent ice crystals
Don't overmix when folding in pears to maintain air in ice cream
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
similar flavor profile
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes, pour custard into shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for first 3 hours to break up ice crystals.
What if I don't like strong blue cheese flavor?
Use milder blue cheese like cambozola or reduce quantity to 4 oz for subtler taste.
How long will this keep in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored covered in airtight container.