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    Home » Dessert Recipes » Ice Cream Recipes

    Published: Jul 8, 2023 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Blueberry Blackberry Gelato

    Jump to Recipe
    A Pinterest image for Homemade Black and Blueberry Gelato.

    Blueberry Blackberry Gelato is a deliciously flavored, not-too-sweet, creamy frozen treat with amazing flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

    Four glass parfait dishes filled with Blueberry Blackberry Gelato along with fresh berries and almonds.

    Easily turn ripe summer berries into gelato with a few simple steps, an ice cream machine, and a few hours of freezer time. 

    Making delicious homemade gelato is super simple to make, and I'm here to show you how! Let's go!!

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • The ingredient list:
    • Ingredient information:
    • Required kitchen tools and equipment:
    • Important planning ahead information for making homemade gelato:
    • Best way to wash fresh berries:
    • Best way to store fresh berries for extended freshness:
    • What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
    • Why add dry milk powder?
    • Important tips for success:
    • How much gelato will this recipe make?
    • How to store frozen gelato:
    • The step-by-step photo instructions:
    • Additional frozen desserts:
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

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    The ingredient list:

    *Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

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    A visual ingredient list of what is needed to make Black and Blueberry Gelato.

    Ingredient information:

    BLACKBERRIES - Summer is the perfect time to make this gelato with fresh black and blueberries when they're in season and typically lower in price. You'll need 2 cups of blackberries, washed and dried well.

    BLUEBERRIES - You'll need 2 cups of fresh blueberries that have been washed, dried, and picked through to ensure all the little stems are removed. Please see below for the best way to clean, and store, fresh summer berries.

    GRANULATED SUGAR - You may feel like this ingredient can be cut in half, but per serving, the sugar content is (in my opinion) low. I've not tried this recipe with a sugar substitute, so I can't speak to how that would work. If you feel like being adventitious, go for it, but I don't recommend it.

    LEMON JUICE - The tiny bit of lemon juice in this recipe balances out the richness of the cream and milk. Please don't omit the lemon juice, and always use fresh. A large lemon typically yields two tablespoons of juice, so you'll need roughly ½ a lemon.

    WHOLE MILK - You need to use whole milk for richness. Please don't try and skip out on a few calories by using 2%, 1%, or skim. They won't work, and you'll waste your time and all the other ingredients.

    HEAVY CREAM - Yep. Don't skimp on half and half here. Go for the full-fat, heavy cream, and if you're worried about the calories, scoop yourself a smaller portion of gelato (if you're strong-willed enough to handle it)!

    INSTANT DRY MILK - This ingredient is optional, but I recommend it for texture. See below for additional information regarding dry milk in gelato.

    VANILLA BEAN PASTE - Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract here if you like. However, please make sure to use PURE vanilla extract for the best flavor possible. If you make homemade gelato, please use pure extracts for the best possible taste.

    PURE ALMOND EXTRACT - There's that word again. Pure. It's so important when using flavoring extracts. Almond extract is highly flavored, so a little goes a long way. If you prefer to leave the almond extract out, it's entirely your call.

    ALMOND SLIVERS - Again, this is an optional ingredient I used for a bit of texture and as a garnish for visual appeal. The choice is yours if you'd like to use them or not.

    Required kitchen tools and equipment:

    • 3-quart heavy bottom saucepan
    • spatula
    • citrus juicer
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • sink colander (for washing berries)
    • largemouth mason jar (for storing berries)
    • fine mesh sieve
    • ice cream maker
    • mixing bowl (for strained gelato base)
    • airtight container (for refrigerating the gelato base)
    • ice cream containers (for storing the completed gelato)
    • glass parfait glasses (shown, optional)
    Shop my recommended products at my Kudos Kitchen Store

    Important planning ahead information for making homemade gelato:

    After making the base for this gelato it is very important that it chills properly in the refrigerator.

    Please plan on giving the gelato base at least 8 hours (overnight is best), or up to 48 hours in the refrigerator before adding it to the ice cream machine for completion.

    Best way to wash fresh berries:

    Fill a large clean bowl with water and add 1-2 tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar. Swish the berries in the water/vinegar mixture and allow them to sit for at least 5-7 minutes. Drain the vinegar water and rinse the berries with fresh water.

    Spread the berries onto a paper towel lined, single layer sheet pan and allow the berries to dry completely.

    Best way to store fresh berries for extended freshness:

    Large-mouth glass mason jars are great for storing berries for extended freshness.

    Washed and well-dried berries will last 2-3 times longer than storing them in their original plastic containers.

    You'll be truly amazed at how well this works and how it will magically extend the life of any kind of fresh berry.

    A glass dish filled with Blueberry Blackberry Gelato along with almond slivers and fresh berries.

    What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?

    Gelato is made with more milk and less cream than ice cream.

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    Gelato has a slightly softer texture than ice cream, but it's typically richer and denser than ice cream because gelato has less air incorporated.

    Ice cream will often include eggs for richness where gelato never includes eggs as an ingredient.

    Why add dry milk powder?

    The dry milk powder adds additional structure and stability to the finished product. It also helps prolong the gelato's creamy texture while in the freezer.

    A serving of homemade Blueberry and Blackberry Gelato along with a title text graphic in purple and white.

    Important tips for success:

    It is important that the drum of the ice cream maker has been kept in the freezer for at least 24 hours before adding the liquid gelato mixture to the machine.

    Use a heavy bottom 3-quart saucepan for making the gelato base to prevent scorching.

    Make sure to strain the berry syrup well with a fine mesh sieve before continuing with the base. If this is not done the gelato will be full of blackberry seeds which will take away from the creamy texture and mouthfeel, you're after.

    After making the gelato base, be sure to give it plenty of chill time in the refrigerator before continuing with the recipe. A minimum of 8 hours is recommended, but longer (up to 48 hours), is preferred. Store the base in an airtight container.

    How much gelato will this recipe make?

    As written this recipe will make approximately 2 quarts of frozen gelato.

    If you'd like to make more than the recipe is written for, you'll need to plan accordingly and have two ice cream makers on hand or make two separate batches so as to not overfill the ice cream maker.

    How to store frozen gelato:

    I like to use these ice cream storage containers and then pack the gelato tightly inside using a large spoon.

    I've also given this gelato as a gift (keep it frozen for traveling a freezer bag) and used the storage containers for gifting and traveling.

    The step-by-step photo instructions:

    • Add ¼ cup of sugar along with the lemon juice to a heavy bottomed 3-quart saucepan.
    • Add the blackberries and blueberries to the saucepan and heat over medium/low heat, stirring frequently, until the berries breakdown and exude their juices (approximately 15 minutes). Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
    • Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the berries and their liquid into the strainer.
    • Use a spatula to push the berries into the strainer to release all the juice they can leaving the pulp and seeds in the strainer.
    • Dispose of the pulp and seeds and set the juice aside for the gelato. If making in advance, feel free to refrigerate the juice in an airtight container at this point until ready to move on to the next steps.
    Lemon and sugar in a saucepan.
    Sugar and berries in a saucepan.
    Blueberries in a suacepan.
    Berries and a wooden spoon in a saucepan.
    Cooked down berries in a saucepan.
    Cooked berries in a strainer.
    Cooked berries and a spatula in a strainer.
    The juice from cooked berries in a glass bowl.
    The juice from cooked berries in a bowl with a blue spatula.
    • In the same saucepan, add the whole milk, heavy cream, 1 and ⅔'s cup sugar, instant dry milk, reserved berry juice and vanilla.
    • Whisk well to combine and simmer the mixture (stirring frequently) over medium-low heat until the sugar fully dissolves (approximately 4-5 minutes) and the gelato is a lovely lavender color. Remove from the heat.
    • Allow the gelato base to cool for about 30 minutes and then transfer it into an airtight refrigerator container and refrigerate at least 8 hours, or up to 48 hours.
    • After the gelato has chilled pour it into the frozen drum of an ice cream machine and start the machine, churning until firm, about 2 hours.
    • Transfer the frozen gelato to a covered, freezer-safe container and freeze again until ready to serve.
    Heavy cream being poured into a saucepan.
    Sugar being added to a saucepan with cream and milk.
    Berry juice added to a gelato base of cream and milk.
    A whisk in a saucepan with gelato base.
    Vanilla paste being added to a gelato base in a saucepan.
    A violet gelato mixture in a saucepan with a whisk.
    Two containers of gelato base ready for the refrigerator.
    An ice cream maker churning berry gelato.
    Black and Blueberry Gelato in a bowl ready for the freezer.
    Four glass parfait dishes on a silver tray filled with Blueberry Blackberry Gelato Gelato and fresh berries.

    Additional frozen desserts:

    Refreshing Low Sugar Fresh Peach Sorbet with Sage is a flavorful frozen treat with an unexpected hint of garden sage and luscious summertime peaches.

    These Frozen Pineapple Pops dipped in chocolate and coconut are the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day! Make some today and stick them in the freezer to have on hand all throughout the summer!

    When you want to feel like you're indulging in something rich and sinful, but you're really not, then a Frozen Greek Yogurt Banana Split is where it's at!

    Grab your spoon and get ready. This Root Beer Ice Cream tastes just like a root beer float, minus the straw and foam, which I know are a lot of fun, but this is serious business, people! We've got root beer-flavored ice cream to eat!!!

    Pretty glass parfait dishes filled with servings of Blueberry Blackberry Gelato topped with berries and almonds.
    Shop my recommended products at my Kudos Kitchen Store

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    Glass parfait glasses filled with Blueberry Blackberry Gelato and topped with berries.

    Blueberry Blackberry Gelato

    Renee Goerger
    Blueberry Blackberry Gelato is a deliciously flavored, not-too-sweet, creamy frozen treat with amazing flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    freeze time 8 hours hrs
    Total Time 10 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, frozen dessert, fruit dessert
    Cuisine Italian insipred
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 540 kcal

    Equipment

    • ice cream maker
    • 3 quart saucepan
    • spatula
    • colander
    • fine mesh strainer
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • citrus juicer
    • glass measuring cups
    • glass serving bowls

    Ingredients
      

    For the fruit syrup:

    • 2 cups blackberries washed and dried
    • 2 cups blueberries washed and dried
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

    For the gelato base:

    • 4 cups whole milk
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 1 ⅔ cup granulated sugar
    • ⅓ cup instant dry milk
    • 2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste
    • 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    To make the fruit syrup:

    • Add ¼ cup of sugar along with the lemon juice to a heavy bottomed 3-quart saucepan.
    • Add the blackberries and blueberries to the saucepan and heat over medium/low heat, stirring frequently, until the berries breakdown and exude their juices (approximately 15 minutes). Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
    • Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the berries and their liquid into the strainer.
    • Use a spatula to push the berries into the strainer to release all the juice they can leaving the pulp and seeds in the strainer.
    • Dispose of the pulp and seeds and set the juice aside for the gelato. If making in advance, feel free to refrigerate the juice in an airtight container at this point until ready to move on to the next steps.

    To make the gelato base:

    • In the same saucepan, add the whole milk, heavy cream, 1 and ⅔'s cup sugar, instant dry milk, reserved berry juice and vanilla.
    • Whisk well to combine and simmer the mixture (stirring frequently) over medium-low heat until the sugar fully dissolves (approximately 4-5 minutes) and the gelato is a lovely lavender color. Remove from the heat.
    • Allow the gelato base to cool for about 30 minutes and then transfer it into an airtight refrigerator container and refrigerate at least 8 hours, or up to 48 hours.
    • After the gelato has chilled pour it into the frozen drum of an ice cream machine and start the machine, churning until firm, about 2 hours.

    Notes

    1 serving = 1 cup
    Store and freeze the finished gelato in an airtight freezer container for up to 2 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 8gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 83mgPotassium: 401mgFiber: 3gSugar: 65gVitamin A: 1219IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 251mgIron: 0.4mg

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's homemade frozen berry gelato recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.

    Four servings of Blueberry Blackberry  Gelato in pretty glass dishes on a silver tray.

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

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    More Ice Cream Recipes

    • Caramel sauce on top of a dish or no-churn banana caramel coconut ice cream.
      No-Churn Banana Caramel Ice Cream
    • Two glass parfait dishes filled with Peach Sorbet with Sage.
      Low-Sugar Peach Sorbet with Sage
    • A cute cup with gingerbread men filled with gingerbread ice cream and a chocolate cookie.
      Gingerbread No-Churn Ice Cream
    • Scoops of No-Churn Cherry Chunk Amaretto Ice Cream in a bowl with cherries and mint.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 5 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    1. Katie says

      July 14, 2023 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      Fresh fruit gelato is one of the best things. I love that I can make it delicious at home!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 14, 2023 at 2:21 pm

        Awesome! Thanks, Katie!!

        Reply
    2. Missy says

      July 12, 2023 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      We made this gelato for our weekend cookout and it was a huge hit. It's super creamy and delicious, the only substitution I made was using vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean paste that I was out of. We will be making this one again soon.

      Reply
    3. Renée says

      July 12, 2023 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious. Not too sweet but full of berry flavor! Love this gelato recipe!

      Reply

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