Imagine a spoonful of pure joy – the nostalgic crunch of perfectly buttered popcorn, now transformed into a luxuriously smooth, creamy dessert. This Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream recipe is a delightful adventure for your taste buds, blending sweet and savory in a surprisingly harmonious way. Each bite brings playful warmth, reminiscent of cozy movie nights and cherished memories. Prepare for an unforgettable treat that captures classic comfort in an innovative frozen form.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream offers a culinary experience unlike any other.
- A unique flavor bridging sweet and savory, a true delight.
- Simple preparation ensures a delicious treat without fuss.
- Crafted with quality ingredients, promoting mindful dessert choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For truly delightful Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream, always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients, just as we cherish our family recipes.
- Whole Milk: 2 cups (full-fat for creaminess).
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups (for smooth texture).
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (gentle sweetness).
- Egg Yolks: 6 large (rich, velvety base).
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons (warmth and depth).
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (melted, authentic popcorn essence).
- Unpopped Popcorn Kernels: 1/2 cup (for infusion).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste (crucial flavor enhancer).

Substitutions & Variations
Adapt your Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream for mindful enjoyment. Use skim milk or plant-based alternatives for dairy-free. Reduce sugar by half, or swap for natural sweeteners like stevia. These simple swaps make it healthier without losing flavor.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different methode.
For those looking to make their Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream a bit more health-conscious, these tips can help. You can explore a healthier version by visiting Popcorn ice cream for some great modifications.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation of this wonderful Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream.
- Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: For simmering milk and custard.
- Fine-Mesh Sieve: For straining infused milk, ensuring a silky base.
- Large Bowl (Ice Bath): To quickly chill custard.
- Whisk: For constant stirring and tempering egg yolks.
- Ice Cream Maker: For churning creamy consistency.
- Airtight Container: For storing finished ice cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crafting this Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream is a beautiful process of patience and love. Follow these steps for a truly special treat.

- Infuse the Milk: Combine milk, cream, and kernels in a saucepan. Heat to simmer, remove, cover, and steep 30-60 minutes for rich popcorn flavor. Key to delicious Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream.
- Strain the Infusion: Strain mixture through a sieve into a clean saucepan. Press kernels; discard. Reheat infused milk until warm.
- Prepare the Custard Base: Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl until light.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: Slowly ladle warm milk into yolks, whisking constantly. Pour mixture back into saucepan.
- Cook the Custard: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it coats a spoon (175°F / 80°C). Do not boil.
- Add Flavorings: Remove from heat. Stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. These additions enhance the Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream.
- Chill the Custard: Pour through sieve into a bowl over an ice bath. Stir until cool. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Vital for creamy Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour chilled custard into your ice cream maker. Churn 20-30 minutes, to soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze and Enjoy: Transfer soft ice cream to an airtight container. Press parchment onto surface. Freeze 4-6 hours until firm. Now, enjoy glorious homemade Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream!
Creating the perfect Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream is a rewarding culinary journey. To enhance your experience, check out the steps for Creamy Popcorn to infuse that rich flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving magnificent Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream involves thoughtful techniques for a smooth, flavorful result.

- Don’t Skimp on Steeping: Steep popcorn in milk for at least an hour for a deeper, authentic Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream flavor.
- Constant Stirring for Custard: Stir continuously when cooking custard to prevent curdling and sticking.
- Perfect Chill is Key: Thoroughly chill custard before churning for smaller ice crystals and creamier ice cream.
- Embrace the Salt: A touch more salt enhances buttered popcorn flavor, balancing sweetness.
- Pre-chill Container: Freeze your storage container beforehand to prevent ice crystals.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper storage preserves the wonderful quality of your homemade Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream.
- Airtight is Essential: Store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
- Surface Protection: Press parchment directly onto the surface to avoid ice crystals.
- Optimal Freezing: Store in the coldest part of your freezer.
- Thawing for Serving: Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
- Shelf Life: Best quality for up to 2-3 weeks.
Proper storage is key to keeping your Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream at its best. For additional tips on preservation, consider reading about Roasted Garlic White Bean Soup for more food storage insights.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This incredible Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream shines solo or as part of a balanced meal, offering a harmonious experience.

- Fresh Berries: Offer a light, tart contrast to the rich, creamy sweetness of the Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream.
- Warm Fruit Compote: A gently spiced apple or pear compote provides comforting warmth.
- Light Herbal Tea: A cup of chamomile or mint tea cleanses the palate beautifully.
- After a Light Meal: Serve this delightful Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream as a cherished dessert following a simple, nourishing main course like a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. It creates a wonderful sense of balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Pour chilled custard into a shallow freezer-safe container. Freeze 30-45 minutes, then whisk vigorously.
Repeat every 30-45 minutes for 3-4 hours until creamy. It’s more effort but yields a surprisingly good homemade Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream.
How do I prevent my Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream from becoming too icy?
Ensure your custard base is thoroughly chilled before churning. Don’t over-churn. Store in an airtight container with parchment on the surface. Full-fat dairy and egg yolks also help create a richer, less icy texture in your Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream.
Can I add actual popped popcorn to the ice cream?
Absolutely! Fold in freshly popped, lightly salted and buttered popcorn during the last minutes of churning, or when transferring to the container. Popcorn can get chewy after freezing, but many enjoy the textural contrast. This adds extra fun to your Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream experience.
Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream is a creative twist on traditional ice cream, combining the beloved flavors of buttered popcorn into a frozen dessert. This unique treat offers a nostalgic taste experience that can be enjoyed year-round, blending sweet and savory in a delightful way, much like the art of ice cream making itself.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream connects us to simple joys and shared moments. It’s a testament to how flavors can evoke cherished memories, turning a humble ingredient into a scoop of pure, comforting magic. Gather your loved ones, share a bowl, and make new traditions with this truly special dessert.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Making our Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream with love also means being mindful of what nourishes us.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 17g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 170mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Fiber | 0g |

Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream
Ingredients
Method
- Infuse the Milk: Combine milk, cream, and popcorn kernels in a saucepan. Heat to simmer, then remove from heat, cover, and steep for 30-60 minutes.
- Strain the Infusion: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan, pressing kernels. Reheat the infused milk until warm.
- Prepare the Custard Base: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until light.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: Slowly ladle warm milk into the yolks while whisking constantly. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook the Custard: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it coats the back of a spoon (175°F / 80°C). Do not boil.
- Add Flavorings: Remove from heat and stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Chill the Custard: Pour through a sieve into a bowl over an ice bath. Stir until cool, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes to soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze and Enjoy: Transfer soft ice cream to an airtight container, press parchment onto the surface, and freeze for 4-6 hours until firm.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.








