Patriotic Neapolitan Ice Cream

The season of cookouts, pool parties and patriotic commemorations begins on Memorial Day weekend as we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. We decorate our porch railings with American flag bunting and festive swags as friends and family make their way over for a day of themed parties and food to match. This important day informally marks the beginning of summer in our minds, as grills fire up and cook everything from burgers to chicken to steak.

On the 4th of July, we celebrate again as we watch fireworks, post photos of pretty much any food donned with festive flag favors, and grill all-American hot dogs. Then comes Labor Day, the grand finale of summer. We celebrate one last patriotic holiday before we pull the grill back in the garage, where it sits until next year’s rotation of potluck parties featuring red, white and blue trifles.

This year, we wanted to shake up the traditional red, white and blue dishes with something fun, creative and delicious, so we created an impressive patriotic Neapolitan ice cream using strawberry, vanilla and blueberry flavors. A little extra food coloring goes a long way in creating the perfect colors of the American flag in three simple layers that will wow everyone at your party.

Just make one flavor at a time in your ice cream maker. Freeze and then top with the next layer. When you’re finished, pop the ice cream loaf out of the mold and cut it into pieces to serve. This unique patriotic play on the traditional Neapolitan ice cream is a fun dessert for Memorial Day, the 4th of July or Labor Day. And if you switch up the flavors and colors, you can use this recipe technique for any holiday, baby shower, bridal shower or birthday party!

Patriotic Neapolitan Ice Cream

Yield: Serves 12
Author: Hamilton Beach Test Kitchen

Ingredients

Strawberry Layer

2 cups roughly chopped strawberries
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Red soft gel paste food color

Vanilla Layer

1 cup sugar
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Blueberry Layer

2 cups blueberries
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon blueberry syrup
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Blue soft gel paste food color

Instructions

Prepare 3 loaf pans by lining with plastic wrap or nonstick foil; set aside.
For strawberry layer, blend strawberries and sugar in blender. Stop blender and stir if necessary to move strawberries around in blender. Continue blending until strawberries are pureed.
Combine strawberry puree with cream, milk, lemon juice and vanilla. Add enough red food color to reach desired color.
Follow ice cream maker directions to make ice cream.
Spread 2 cups ice cream into each prepared loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze.
Repeat process with vanilla and blueberry ice cream adding layers to the loaf pans. Freeze until solid.
Turn pan upside down to remove ice cream. Cut into slices to serve.

Notes

An alternative to using plastic wrap or foil-lined loaf pans is to use silicone loaf pans. Silicone loaf pans can be folded back to pop out the layered ice cream for a smooth, even appearance.

Smart design touches make Hamilton Beach® Ice Cream Makers easy to use, even if you’re a beginner. Simple-to-follow recipes are included with these popular ice cream makers, so your family can make all kinds of delectable treats right from the start.

Comments