Red bean ice cream is a popular dessert in many Asian countries.
It is a sweet, creamy dessert made from milk, cream, sugar, and red bean paste derived from small red azuki beans.
In this blog post, I will explore the taste, flavor, and ingredients of red bean ice cream.
I will also discuss related questions such as what red beans taste like, the best red bean ice cream brand, what red bean ice cream is made of, and more.
What does red bean ice cream taste like?
Red bean ice cream has a unique flavor profile that is difficult to describe. The taste of red bean ice cream is subtle and sweet, with a nutty, earthy flavor.
The flavor of red bean ice cream is derived from the red bean paste that is added to the mixture.
The red bean paste provides a grainy texture to the ice cream, which adds to the mouthfeel. The creamy texture of the ice cream makes it a perfect dessert for hot summer days.
What is red bean ice cream made of?
Red bean ice cream is made from a few simple ingredients: milk, cream, sugar, and red bean paste.
Red bean paste is made from cooked, mashed, and sweetened red azuki beans. The beans are boiled until they become soft, then mashed and sweetened.
The sweetened paste is then added to the milk and cream mixture. The mixture is then churned in an ice cream maker to create the final product.
Best Red Bean Ice Cream Recipe
Red bean ice cream is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is popular in many Asian countries.
Here’s a simple and easy recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients
- 1 cup red beans (also known as azuki beans)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
Instructions
- Rinse the red beans in cold water and drain. Put them in a large pot with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are soft.
- Drain the cooked beans and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Puree the beans until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are light and frothy.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the red bean puree.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the ice cream is finished churning, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Enjoy your homemade red bean ice cream!
Red Bean Ice Cream Without Ice Cream Maker
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make delicious red bean ice cream at home with this recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup red beans (also known as azuki beans)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
Instructions
- Rinse the red beans in cold water and drain. Put them in a large pot with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are soft.
- Drain the cooked beans and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Puree the beans until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are light and frothy.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the red bean puree.
- Pour the mixture into a large freezer-safe container and freeze for about 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, remove the container from the freezer and use a fork or a whisk to break up any ice crystals that have formed. Return the container to the freezer.
- Repeat step 9 every 30 minutes, stirring or whisking the mixture until it is smooth and creamy, for a total of about 3-4 hours.
- Once the ice cream has reached the desired consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Enjoy your homemade red bean ice cream!
What is the best red bean ice cream brand?
There are many different brands of red bean ice cream available in the market, and the choice of the brand ultimately depends on personal preference.
Some popular brands of red bean ice cream include Haagen-Dazs, Ben & Jerry’s, and Mochi Ice Cream.
It’s important to note that the taste and texture of red bean ice cream may vary depending on the brand, so it’s important to try different brands to find the one that you like the best.
What flavor is red bean ice cream?
Red bean ice cream has a unique and delicious flavor that is sweet and nutty with a creamy texture. The flavor comes from the use of red beans, also known as azuki beans, which are commonly used in Asian desserts.
The beans are cooked until they are soft and then pureed, and the resulting mixture is added to a creamy base of heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and egg yolks to create the ice cream.
The end result is a sweet and slightly earthy dessert with a creamy texture that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Is red bean ice cream healthy?
Red bean ice cream is a dessert and should be consumed in moderation. It contains sugar, cream, and milk, which are not the healthiest ingredients. However, red beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and iron.
Is red bean ice cream gluten-free?
Red bean ice cream may or may not be gluten-free, depending on the recipe and the brand. If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it’s important to check the ingredients and make sure there are no gluten-containing ingredients in the ice cream.
Can I make red bean ice cream at home?
Yes, you can make red bean ice cream at home. There are many recipes available online that use simple ingredients to make this delicious treat. You will need red bean paste, which can be purchased at an Asian grocery store or made from scratch using azuki beans.
You will also need cream, milk, sugar, and eggs. Some recipes may call for additional ingredients such as vanilla extract or cornstarch.
What is the best way to serve red bean ice cream?
Red bean ice cream can be served in a variety of ways. It is commonly served as a scoop of ice cream on its own, but it can also be paired with other desserts like mochi or sweet rice cakes. Some people even enjoy red bean ice cream as a topping for shaved ice or in a milkshake.
Does red bean ice cream have beans?
Yes, red bean ice cream does contain actual red beans, also known as azuki beans. The beans are cooked until they are soft and then pureed, and the resulting mixture is added to a creamy base of heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and egg yolks to create the ice cream.
The beans give the ice cream its unique flavor and add a slightly grainy texture to the dessert.
So, if you’re not a fan of the taste or texture of beans, you may not enjoy this ice cream. However, if you love the nutty, sweet taste of red beans, then you will likely find red bean ice cream to be a delicious and satisfying dessert.
What does red bean taste like?
Red beans have a distinct, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. They are often used in many Asian desserts as a filling.
The red bean paste used in red bean ice cream has a grainy texture, which adds to the mouthfeel of the ice cream. Red beans have a unique taste that is difficult to describe.
They are often used in many different types of desserts and pastries, such as red bean mochi, red bean soup, and red bean cake.
Different Varieties Of Red Beans
Here are some of the different varieties of red beans:
- Whole red beans: These are the most common variety of red beans, and they are often used in sweet soups, pastries, and desserts.
- Split red beans: These are red beans that have been split in half, making them easier to cook and digest. They are often used in sweet soups and fillings for pastries and desserts.
- Black bean paste: This is a smooth, sweet paste made from black beans that are boiled, mashed, and sweetened. It is often used as a filling for cakes, pastries, and mooncakes.
- Red bean paste: This is a smooth, sweet paste made from whole or split red beans that are boiled, mashed, and sweetened. It is a popular filling for sweet buns, pastries, and mooncakes.
- Mung bean paste: This is a smooth, sweet paste made from mung beans that are boiled, mashed, and sweetened. It is often used as a filling for Chinese desserts, such as mung bean soup and mooncakes.
- Adzuki bean flour: This is a fine, powdery flour made from ground adzuki beans. It is used to make traditional Japanese sweets, such as mochi and dorayaki.
Red beans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet dishes, and each variety has its own unique taste and texture.
What are some other red bean desserts?
Red bean is a popular ingredient in many Asian desserts. Some other red bean desserts include red bean paste buns, red bean mochi, and red bean soup. Red bean paste can also be used as a filling for pastries and cakes.
Japanese Ice Cream vs. American Ice Cream
Japanese ice cream and American ice cream have some differences in their ingredients, texture, and flavors.
Ingredients
Japanese ice cream is often made with a milk-based mix, sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with Japanese ingredients like green tea, black sesame, and red beans. American ice cream typically contains cream, milk, sugar, and often eggs, with additional flavorings and mix-ins.
Texture
Japanese ice cream typically has a smoother and creamier texture compared to American ice cream. Japanese ice cream makers tend to use a lower fat content and slower churning process, resulting in a smoother texture with less air. American ice cream typically has a higher fat content, which contributes to its creamier texture, and is often churned at a faster pace.
Flavors
Japanese ice cream flavors tend to be more unique and adventurous, with flavors such as matcha (green tea), black sesame, and yuzu (a citrus fruit) being popular choices. American ice cream flavors tend to be more traditional, with classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry being the most popular. However, American ice cream makers are also experimenting with new and unique flavor combinations.
Overall, both Japanese and American ice cream have their own unique qualities and flavor profiles, and both are delicious in their own way. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what flavors and textures you enjoy.
Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream
Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream is a delicious and creamy dessert that is popular in Japanese cuisine. The ice cream is made with a combination of cooked red beans (also known as azuki beans), milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked red beans (azuki beans)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cooked red beans and whole milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Once the red bean and milk mixture has cooled, puree it using a blender or food processor until it is completely smooth.
- Add the pureed red bean mixture to the bowl with the cream mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
- Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, until the ice cream is thick and creamy.
- Transfer the ice cream to a container with a lid and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Scoop and serve the Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream, garnished with some extra red beans or whipped cream, if desired.
Where to Buy Japanese Red Bean (Azuki Beans)
You can find Japanese red bean (azuki beans) in many Asian grocery stores or online retailers that specialize in Japanese or Asian ingredients.
Here are some places where you can buy azuki beans:
- Asian grocery stores: Look for Asian grocery stores in your area, which often carry a wide variety of Japanese and other Asian ingredients, including azuki beans.
- Online retailers: Many online retailers specialize in Japanese and Asian ingredients and offer a wide selection of products, including azuki beans. Some popular online retailers to consider include Amazon, Asian Food Grocer, and Japan Centre.
- Natural food stores: Some natural food stores carry azuki beans in the bulk section or in packaged form.
When buying azuki beans, make sure to choose high-quality beans that are fresh and free from any signs of damage or mold. If you are buying them in bulk, be sure to check the expiration date and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Red Bean Taste Summary
In conclusion, red bean ice cream is a unique and delicious dessert that is popular in many Asian countries.
It has a distinct flavor that is hard to describe but can be best characterized as sweet and nutty.
The creamy texture of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the slightly grainy texture of the red bean paste. Red bean ice cream can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other desserts like mochi or sweet rice cakes.
It is important to note that while red beans are a healthy ingredient, red bean ice cream is still a dessert and should be consumed in moderation.
Whether you are a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking to try something new, red bean ice cream is definitely worth a try.

Rosy is a passionate ice cream blogger and vlogger. She shares her love for ice cream through reviews, recipes, and tips on finding the best ice cream shops. She attends festivals and events to try new flavors and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Follow her on this delicious journey to explore the world of ice cream.