Cloudberry jam ice cream is a creamy, Nordic-inspired dessert made with bakeapple jam and warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon. This cloudberry ice cream recipe skips the traditional custard, making it simple to prepare while still delivering a rich, distinctive flavour.
Hey folks, I hope you’re all doing well. Today, I’m sharing a rather unique and special dessert featuring one of the most prized northern berries. While cloudberries might not be the most common ingredient, they create something truly memorable when paired with cream and warm spices. So, let’s dive into this Cloudberry Jam Ice Cream.
Why You’ll Love This Cloudberry Jam Ice Cream
- Unique: A rare and distinctive berry dessert.
- Nordic-inspired: Warm spices like cardamom complement the fruit beautifully.
- Simple: No custard or eggs required.
- Creamy: Rich texture with minimal effort.
- Flexible: Works with store-bought or homemade jam.
What Are Cloudberries (Bakeapples)?
Cloudberries, also known as bakeapples in parts of Canada, are rare berries that grow in cold northern regions such as:
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Scandinavia
- Northern Europe
They are highly valued for their:
- bright amber colour
- unique sweet-tart flavour
- limited growing season
Because they are difficult to harvest and not widely cultivated, cloudberries are often considered a premium or expensive berry.
Why Use Cloudberry Jam Instead of Fresh Berries?
Fresh cloudberries can be difficult to find, so jam is a practical and excellent alternative.
- More accessible and affordable: Available year-round and cheaper than fresh or frozen berries.
- Concentrated flavour: Jam intensifies the berry’s character.
- Consistent results: Easier to control sweetness and texture.
In many cases, using jam actually creates a more balanced and reliable dessert.
Cloudberry Jam Ice Cream: A Nordic-Inspired Dessert
The combination of cloudberries and cardamom reflects flavours often found in Nordic cuisine. These ingredients create a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant, with a focus on natural ingredients and balanced flavours.
What Does Cloudberry Ice Cream Taste Like?
Cloudberry ice cream is not overly sweet. Instead, it offers:
- a pleasant tanginess
- a subtle honey-like sweetness
- gentle floral undertones
When combined with cream and spices, the result is a refined and slightly unusual dessert, somewhere between a berry ice cream and a lightly spiced cream.
No Custard vs Custard Ice Cream
This bakeapple ice cream uses a no-custard method, which differs slightly from traditional ice cream:
- No custard:
- quicker and easier
- lighter texture
- no eggs required
- Custard-based:
- richer and denser
- requires cooking and tempering eggs
This version keeps things simple while still delivering a creamy result.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Nordic-Inspired Cloudberry Jam Ice Cream with Cardamom
It’s easy to make this cloudberry ice cream with a few ingredients:
- Cloudberry jam (bakeapple jam): Provides the main flavour.
- Cream: Creates richness and smooth texture.
- Sweetener (if needed): Adjusts balance depending on the jam.
- Cardamom and cinnamon: Add warmth and depth.
- Optional flavourings: Vanilla or citrus zest for variation.
Possible Additions and Variations
Although this recipe is already well balanced, you can customize it:
- Add vanilla for a softer flavour.
- Include lemon zest for brightness.
- Swirl extra jam for a more pronounced berry layer.
- Use less spice for a more fruit-forward version.
How to Make Cloudberry Jam Ice Cream
This ice cream is straightforward and doesn’t require complex steps.
Start by combining the cream with the cloudberry jam and spices. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. If using an ice cream maker, churn according to your machine’s instructions.
If making without a machine, transfer the mixture to a container and freeze, stirring every 30–45 minutes during the first few hours to improve texture.
Freeze until fully set, then let soften slightly before serving.
More Delicious Cloudberry Recipes
Are you looking for more fun recipes with cloudberry jam, like this cloudberry jam ice cream? Be sure to check more recipes below:
- Crêpes with Cloudberry Jam and Cardamom Whipped Cream: Another Nordic-inspired, beautiful and elegant dessert. And you can also serve it with a scoop of this cloudberry jam ice cream!
- Cloudberry Brandy Cocktail – A refined drink highlighting the delicate and aromatic flavour of cloudberries with a warming, spirit-forward profile.
- Boozy Cloudberry Jam Milkshake – A creamy and indulgent dessert drink combining cloudberry jam with a hint of liqueur. Replace the vanilla ice cream with this homemade version with cloudberry preserves for a wonderful treat.
- Cloudberry Prosciutto Brie Bruschetta – An elegant sweet and savoury appetizer with creamy brie, salty prosciutto, and luscious cloudberry jam.
I’d love for you to try this no churn ice cream with cloudberry jam. If you give it a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.
Cheers!
Cloudberry Jam Ice Cream
Cloudberry jam ice cream with warm spices – a creamy, no-custard dessert with bakeapple jam, simple to prepare and full of unique flavour.
6
servings5
minutes30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups (345 ml) heavy (whipping or at 35%) cream
2 1/2 cups (590 ml) milk 3%
1 jar (about 350-400 g) cloudberry jam for custard
more cloudberry jam for swirl – about 1/2 cup or more (See Cooking Notes)
2-3 cardamom pods, seeds crushed – or 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
a pinch of cinnamon
a tiny pinch of salt
Directions
- Prepare and churn:
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and cream for about 30 seconds until combined. Add the cloudberry jam, spices, and a pinch of salt, then mix until smooth. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy. - Swirl and freeze:
Transfer the churned ice cream to a container. Spoon the reserved jam over the top and gently swirl it in using a knife or fork, allowing some of it to sink into the ice cream. Freeze until firm and scoopable, about 2–4 hours. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe uses about 1½ jars of cloudberry jam in total – one full jar (about 350–400 g) for the base, plus additional jam for swirling.
For the swirl, you don’t need to use a large amount:
Start with 2–4 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
You can increase up to about 1/3–1/2 cup if you prefer more pronounced swirls.
Using too much jam (for example, a full extra jar) can make the ice cream overly soft and slightly too sweet.
A moderate amount gives the best balance of flavour, texture, and visual appeal. - Keep in mind that cloudberry jam often contains quite a lot of seeds. They don’t bother me, but if you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve before churning.
That said, this will remove some of the pulp along with the seeds, so you may lose a bit of flavour and yield.
wow, these cloudberry jam ice cream looks so delicious and yummy . i just love this article. Thanks for sharing .
Cloudberries are new to me, Ben. I want to try them! Particularly in this fun ice cream – love that you spiced it with cinnamon and cardamom.
I’ve heard of cloudberries but you’re right, I’ve never actually eaten (or seen) one fresh. But I could definitely go for a couple of scoops of this ice cream! It sounds wonderful!
I’ve never heard the called “bakeapples” but I do love cloudberry jam as I brought some back from Sweden years ago. kind of reminded me of a less sweet, earthier, raspberry. This ice cream is beautiful! It looks so lovely! And, I’m looking forward to trying the liqueurs!
Love bakeapples! I’ve never gone picking them but I’m usually the recipient of a small batch every year. I usually make jam. It was my fave as a kid so I just can’t resist bakeapple jam and fresh bread. But this ice cream looks like a fabulous way to change things up!
I’ve not heard of cloudberries before and now will be on the look out for them! The flavors you infused here sound like the perfect complement to the cloudberries earthy flavor and definitely on my list to try along with this ice cream!
So I’ve never seen cloudberries before, although I seem to recall you mentioning them in the past. I googled them, and they look really cool – almost like an orange blackberry. And that description of walking in the early morning forest? Perfect! I can totally imagine the flavor of cloudberries. I’m intrigued, so if I ever stumble across some, I’ll definitely buy them…and probably make a batch of this ice cream! It’s perfect for these hot summer days, Ben!