Finding the perfect summer dessert that’s both refreshing and a little fancy can feel like an impossible task. Between the scorching heat and wanting something that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, most of us end up reaching for the same old store-bought ice cream pints time and time again.

That’s where this fig and ricotta ice cream comes in: it’s cool and creamy, surprisingly easy to make, and brings together two ingredients that were meant for each other. Plus, it’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone at the table pause and say “wow” after the first spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Fig and Ricotta Ice Cream

• Rich, creamy texture: The combination of ricotta cheese and heavy cream creates an incredibly smooth, luxurious ice cream that’s different from anything you’ll find at the store.
• Unique flavor combination: Sweet figs and tangy ricotta work together perfectly, creating an ice cream that tastes like it came from an Italian gelateria.
• Make-ahead dessert: While it takes time to freeze, most of the process is hands-off, making it perfect for preparing a day before your special occasion.
• Restaurant-quality dessert: This homemade ice cream feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is actually simple to put together with basic ingredients and standard kitchen equipment.

Ingredients

For the roasted figs:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (I use Kerrygold unsalted butter)
• 2 tbsp dark amber honey
• 1.5 lb mission figs
• Pinch sea salt

For the ice cream base:

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese (BelGioioso is a good choice)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• Pinch sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Arrange the Figs

• Preheat the oven to 450°F.
• Wipe the figs with a damp towel to clean them.
• Using a paring knife, remove the stems from each fig.
• Carefully halve the figs from top to bottom, ensuring you leave the base intact so the halves stay connected.
• Stand the prepared figs upright in a medium-sized skillet, ready for roasting.

Step 2: Make the Honey-Butter Sauce and Roast the Figs

• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter with the honey and a pinch of sea salt until everything is smoothly combined.
• Drizzle this warm honey-butter mixture over the prepared figs in the skillet.
• Bake the figs in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the figs are tender.

Recipe from Molly's Home Guide