Are you tired of your boring old vanilla and chocolate ice creams?
Are you looking for a taste of something unique and, dare we say, a little exotic?
Well, have you ever heard of Cornish ice cream? No?
Well, let us tell you all about this mysterious dessert that has taken the world by storm.
And by “world,” we mean mainly Cornwall, but hey, it’s a start.
So buckle up and get ready to discover the deliciousness that is Cornish ice cream.
Today, I am going to talk about one of my all-time favorite types of ice cream: Cornish ice cream.
If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a real treat.
Cornish ice cream is a beloved dessert that originated in Cornwall, England, and has been gaining popularity around the world for its unique and delicious taste.
What is ‘Cornish’ Ice Cream?
So, what exactly is Cornish ice cream?
Cornish ice cream is a type of ice cream that is made with clotted cream, which is a thick, rich cream that is made by slowly heating unpasteurized cream until a layer of clotted cream forms on top.
This clotted cream is then mixed with sugar, milk, and other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy ice cream that has a distinct taste and texture.
Cornish ice cream is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in Cornwall, England, where clotted cream was a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes.
The unique flavor and texture of Cornish ice cream quickly made it a favorite dessert among locals and tourists alike.
What is the history of Cornish ice cream?
Cornish ice cream has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1900s in Cornwall, England.
The clotted cream was a popular ingredient in many traditional Cornish dishes, and it wasn’t long before someone decided to use it to make ice cream.
The unique taste and texture of Cornish ice cream quickly made it a favorite dessert among locals and tourists alike.
What are some popular Cornish ice cream flavors?
Some of the most popular and unique flavors of Cornish ice cream include clotted cream, strawberry, vanilla, and honeycomb.
However, there are many other flavors to choose from, including some that are only available in certain parts of Cornwall.
How is Cornish ice cream made?
Cornish ice cream is traditionally made by mixing clotted cream with sugar, milk, and other ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
The mixture is then frozen in an ice cream maker until it reaches the desired consistency.
Some variations of Cornish ice cream may include other ingredients, such as fruits or nuts.
How does Cornish ice cream compare to gelato?
Cornish ice cream and gelato are both types of frozen desserts, but they are made differently and have some key differences.
Cornish ice cream is made with clotted cream and has a thicker, creamier texture, while gelato is made with milk and has a lighter, airier texture.
Cornish ice cream also tends to be richer and more decadent than gelato.
What makes Cornish ice cream different from other types of ice cream?
As I mentioned earlier, Cornish ice cream is made with a unique ingredient – clotted cream.
This ingredient is what sets it apart from other types of ice cream. Clotted cream is a rich and creamy dairy product that is made by heating and then cooling fresh milk.
The process of heating and cooling causes the cream to rise to the top and form a thick layer that is then skimmed off. This cream is then used to make Cornish ice cream, giving it its distinctively rich and velvety texture.
In addition to clotted cream, Cornish ice cream is also made with locally sourced ingredients, including milk and sugar, which are combined with the clotted cream to create a creamy and decadent dessert.
The use of high-quality ingredients and the traditional production methods used to make Cornish ice cream result in a product that is much creamier, richer, and denser than other types of ice cream.
Can I make Cornish ice cream at home?
Absolutely! Making Cornish ice cream at home is easier than you might think, and it can be a fun and rewarding activity for anyone who loves ice cream.
To make Cornish ice cream at home, you will need clotted cream, milk, sugar, and any other flavorings you wish to add.
There are many recipes available online that you can follow, and you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique recipes.
To make Cornish ice cream at home, start by whisking the clotted cream until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Then, slowly add the milk and sugar while whisking continuously until the mixture is well combined.
Add any flavorings or other ingredients you wish to include, such as vanilla extract or chocolate chips, and mix thoroughly.
Once your mixture is ready, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make Cornish ice cream at home using a hand mixer or a blender.
Simply freeze the mixture in a container, stirring it occasionally until it reaches the desired consistency.
Is Cornish ice cream healthier than other types of ice cream?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately, Cornish ice cream is not any healthier than other types of ice cream.
While it does contain high-quality ingredients like clotted cream and locally sourced milk, it is still a high-calorie and high-fat dessert.
In fact, it typically contains more fat and calories than other types of ice cream due to its use of clotted cream.
That being said, Cornish ice cream is a special treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you may want to limit your consumption of Cornish ice cream or choose a lower-fat variety of ice cream instead.
Who makes the best Cornish ice cream?
Cornish ice cream is known for its rich and creamy texture, and there are several ice cream makers in Cornwall that are well-known for producing high-quality ice cream. Here are a few popular options:
- Roskilly’s: Roskilly’s is a family-run dairy farm that has been making ice cream since 1992. Their ice cream is made using milk from their own Jersey cows, and they offer a range of classic and unique flavors, such as honeycomb and blackcurrant.
- Callestick Farm: Callestick Farm is another family-run farm that has been making ice cream since the 1950s. Their ice cream is made using locally-sourced milk and cream, and they offer a range of flavors, including clotted cream, Cornish sea salt caramel, and rum and raisin.
- Moomaid of Zennor: Moomaid of Zennor is a small ice cream maker based in a village on the north coast of Cornwall. They make their ice cream using milk from their own herd of Jersey cows, and they offer a range of flavors, such as honeycomb and lemon (Superman Ice Cream) curd.
- Treleavens: Treleavens is an award-winning ice cream maker that has been producing ice cream since 1997. They use locally-sourced ingredients and traditional methods to make their ice cream, and they offer a range of flavors, including clotted cream, chocolate fudge brownie, and blackcurrant sorbet.
It’s worth noting that taste is subjective, so what one person considers to be the “best” Cornish ice cream may differ from another’s opinion.
Why is Cornish ice cream yellow?
Cornish ice cream is typically a rich, creamy, and slightly yellowish color, which is due to the high butterfat content in the cream used to make it.
The cows that produce the milk and cream used in Cornish ice cream are typically Jersey or Guernsey cows, which are known for producing milk with a higher butterfat content than other breeds of cows.
The butterfat content of the cream used in ice cream is a major factor in determining its texture and flavor.
A higher butterfat content generally results in a creamier, richer, and more flavorful ice cream.
Because the cream used in Cornish ice cream is typically very high in butterfat, it has a distinctive yellowish hue that is slightly more pronounced than other types of ice cream.
It’s also worth noting that some Cornish ice cream makers add natural ingredients such as egg yolks or carotene (a natural food colorant) to enhance the yellow color of their ice cream.
However, the primary reason for the yellow color of Cornish ice cream is the high butterfat content in the cream.
Does Cornish ice cream have eggs?
Cornish ice cream can contain eggs, but it depends on the specific recipe or brand.
Some Cornish ice cream makers choose to add egg yolks to their ice cream to give it a richer, creamier texture, while others may choose not to use eggs at all.
Adding eggs to ice cream is a traditional method that is commonly used in French-style ice cream (also known as “custard-style” ice cream), which is known for its rich, velvety texture.
The egg yolks act as a natural emulsifier, helping to blend the milk, cream, and sugar together more evenly and create a smoother texture.
Some Cornish ice cream makers may choose to use this method to make their ice cream.
However, there are also many Cornish ice cream makers that choose not to use eggs in their ice cream recipes.
Instead, they may use alternative ingredients such as cornstarch or stabilizers to achieve a creamy texture without the use of eggs.
So, if you are looking for egg-free Cornish ice cream, it’s important to check the ingredients list or ask the ice cream maker directly to confirm whether eggs are used in their recipe.
What is clotted cream?
Clotted cream is a type of cream that is made by slowly heating unpasteurized cream until a layer of clotted cream forms on top.
The clotted cream is then removed and used in a variety of dishes, including Cornish ice cream. Clotted cream has a thick, rich texture and a slightly nutty flavor that is perfect for desserts.
What is clotted cream ice cream?
Clotted cream ice cream is a type of ice cream that is made with clotted cream instead of regular cream.
This gives the ice cream a thicker, creamier texture and a slightly nutty flavor that is unique to clotted cream.
Clotted cream ice cream is a popular dessert in Cornwall and is often served with fresh strawberries or other fruits.
Is Cornish clotted cream ice cream?
Yes, Cornish clotted cream ice cream is a type of ice cream that is made with clotted cream, a thick cream that is traditionally made in Cornwall, England.
The clotted cream is combined with double cream, sugar, and often vanilla extract to make a rich and creamy ice cream that is popular in the UK and around the world.
The texture of Cornish clotted cream ice cream is typically very thick and smooth, with a luxurious mouthfeel and a rich, buttery flavor that is slightly sweet and creamy.
How to Make Cornish Clotted Cream Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 500 ml double cream
- 500 ml clotted cream
- 250 g caster sugar
- 1 vanilla pod or 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by splitting the vanilla pod in half and scraping out the seeds. If you are using vanilla extract, skip this step.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the double cream, clotted cream, caster sugar, and vanilla seeds or extract.
- Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the mixture until it is well combined and has a thick, creamy consistency.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can also freeze the mixture in a large container and stir it every few hours until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Once the ice cream is churned or frozen, transfer it to a container and store it in the freezer until ready to serve.
- When serving, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Note: Cornish clotted cream ice cream is a deliciously rich and indulgent dessert, perfect for serving with fresh berries or fruit compote.
It is also a great accompaniment to warm desserts like pies or crumbles.
Kelly’s ice cream Parlour
Kelly’s of Cornwall is a well-known ice cream brand based in Bodmin, Cornwall, UK.
The company was founded in the 1920s by the Kelly family, and it has since grown to become a popular ice cream maker known for its high-quality Cornish ice cream.
In addition to producing ice cream, Kelly’s also operates a number of ice cream parlours and cafes throughout Cornwall, where visitors can enjoy a range of ice cream treats, such as sundaes, milkshakes, and waffles.
Kelly’s ice cream Flavors
These parlours offer a variety of Kelly’s ice cream flavors, including classics such as clotted cream, vanilla, and chocolate, as well as more unique flavors such as honeycomb and blackcurrant.
Kelly’s is committed to using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible, including fresh milk and cream from Cornish cows, which gives their ice cream a rich and creamy texture.
The company also uses traditional methods to make their ice cream, such as slow churning in small batches, which helps to create a smoother and more consistent texture.
Overall, Kelly’s ice cream parlours are a great place to experience the rich and creamy flavors of Cornish ice cream, and they offer a wide range of treats for visitors to enjoy.
Cornish Ice Cream Summary
In conclusion, Cornish ice cream is a delicious and unique dessert that is beloved by ice cream enthusiasts around the world.
Made with high-quality ingredients and traditional production methods, it has a distinctively rich and creamy texture that sets it apart from other types of ice cream.
Whether you’re enjoying a scoop of classic vanilla or a more adventurous flavor like clotted cream or raspberry ripple, Cornish ice cream is sure to delight your taste buds.
If you haven’t tried Cornish ice cream yet, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Whether you’re visiting Cornwall or making it at home, you won’t be disappointed by its delicious flavor and creamy texture.
And if you’re a fan of unique and unusual ice cream flavors, be sure to explore other regional varieties of ice cream, like Italian gelato, Thai rolled ice cream, or Japanese mochi ice cream.

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.