Latke Ice Cream with Caramelized Onions and Apple Compote

Food52

Video Stats

Channel: Food52
Host: Food52
Published: May 21, 2025
Views: 5.7k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 180 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

Latke Ice Cream is a creative and unexpected dessert that brings together the beloved flavors of Hanukkah in a delightful new form. The recipe starts with caramelized onions, which are cooked down to a sweet, chewy consistency, reminiscent of taffy. This unique base is then combined with grated potatoes, brown sugar, and a hint of salt, creating a flavor profile that is both savory and sweet.

The ice cream itself is made with a custard base that includes milk, egg yolks, and sugar, with the addition of creme fraiche for a rich, creamy texture. The process of tempering the egg yolks is crucial to achieving a smooth custard, preventing any graininess that could detract from the final product. Once the base is prepared, it is churned in an ice cream machine to incorporate air, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

The addition of apple compote, made from reduced apples and flavored with vanilla and apple brandy, adds a refreshing contrast to the rich ice cream. This combination of flavors not only pays homage to traditional latkes but also elevates them into a sophisticated dessert. The result is a unique ice cream that surprises and delights, making it a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or a special occasion.

Overall, this Latke Ice Cream is a testament to the creativity and innovation in modern cooking, transforming a classic dish into a contemporary dessert that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with other holiday treats, it’s a flavor experience that is both nostalgic and exciting.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
01:01

Start by caramelizing the onions in a pan.

2
01:56

Grate the potatoes for the latke mixture.

03:02

Tip: Add a little salt to grated potatoes to help draw out moisture.

3
03:06

Let the grated potatoes sit to draw out moisture.

4
03:14

Add brown sugar to the caramelizing onions.

03:20

Tip: Adding a little sugar to caramelized onions enhances their sweetness, especially for dessert recipes.

03:29

Tip: For ice cream inclusions, ensure they have a higher sugar level to balance the fat.

04:00

Tip: Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to ring out moisture from grated potatoes.

5
04:04

Ring out the moisture from the grated potatoes using a towel.

6
04:35

Combine the potatoes with salt, pepper, and more sugar.

7
06:09

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

8
06:11

Bake the potato mixture in the oven at 200°F for 90 minutes to 3 hours.

06:14

Tip: Bake caramelized onion mixture low and slow to achieve deep caramelization.

07:01

Tip: Use crème fraîche instead of heavy cream for a richer flavor in ice cream.

9
07:04

Mix milk, crème fraîche, eggs, sugar, and sea salt to create the ice cream base.

10
12:13

Dissolve sugar into the milk in a double boiler.

12:20

Tip: Cook custard to 172-173°F to avoid scrambling the eggs.

11
13:10

Temper the egg yolks by adding hot liquid gradually.

13:14

Tip: Temper egg yolks by gradually adding hot liquid to prevent curdling.

12
14:11

Rapidly cool the custard in an ice bath.

13
15:00

Whisk in the crème fraîche into the cooled custard.

15:19

Tip: Always salt your sweets to enhance flavor.

14
15:24

Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and spin until thick.

16:27

Tip: Freeze ice cream mixture quickly to create smaller ice crystals for a smoother texture.

15
16:39

Add caramelized onions and apple compote to the ice cream mixture.

16
17:23

Transfer the ice cream to a container and place it in the freezer.

17
18:01

Scoop and serve the ice cream.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Sugar1 cup
Milk2 cups
Apple2
Brown Sugar1/2 cup
Salt1 tsp
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Cream

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water

Nutrition

Calories
300
kcal per serving
Protein
5
per serving
Carbs
40
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Latkes are traditionally made from grated potatoes and are a staple during Hanukkah.
  • Caramelizing onions enhances their natural sweetness, making them a great addition to desserts.
  • Creme fraiche adds a rich, tangy flavor to ice cream, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Using milk powder in ice cream increases the creaminess and richness of the final product.