Cordyceps Ice Cream with Chocolate and Mint: A Delicious Treat for Adventurous Palates
After a few weeks of looking at cordyceps mushrooms previous post and reading about their health benefits, I finally had the courage to try them in a recipe.
The name "Cordyceps" might sound off-putting, but turning them into ice cream made me feel better about it!
I've looked everywhere, and no one seems to have tried cordyceps in ice cream. As I tasted the dried ones, I thought they would pair well with sweet things, just like candy cap mushrooms.
The first taste was a bit hesitant, but as soon as I tasted it, I couldn’t stop! The earthy flavour of the cordyceps pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the ice cream, balancing the flavours and adding depth. It's a good option for those who aren’t keen on these mushrooms but still want to enjoy the benefits.
The Science Behind It
Cordyceps are a type of medicinal mushroom used for centuries for their health benefits, including boosting energy and supporting the immune system. The mushroom’s umami flavour might not seem like a natural fit for sweet treats, but when combined with the creamy sweetness of ice cream, it creates a delicious balance. The creaminess helps mellow out the mushroom’s flavour, making it more approachable. I have also added mint to give this ice cream a refreshing taste.
Here's how I made it...
Easy Cordyceps Chocolate Ice Cream (No-Churn) with mint.
Ingredients 🍨
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons dried cordyceps mushrooms
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1/4 cup finely chopped mint
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
A pinch of salt
Topping of your choice or Glazed cherry and fresh mint.
Instructions: 🍄
Crisp & Grind the Cordyceps 🍨
Preheat your oven or dehydrator to 150°F (65°C).
Spread the dried cordyceps mushrooms on a baking tray.
Heat them for 10-15 minutes until crisp.
Blitz in a grinder or blender to create a fine powder. Strain the bigger pieces if preferred, or leave them for some crunch.
Whip the Cream 🍨
In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
Mix the Base 🍨
In a separate bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, cordyceps powder, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Combine 🍨
Gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture, making sure not to deflate it too much. Do not overmix to keep some colour variations.
Freeze 🍨
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and cover it.
Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
Serve 🍨
Once frozen, scoop out.
Add topping of your choice and enjoy!
Creamy, chocolatey, sweet and minty!
It is a fun and unique way to incorporate the health benefits of cordyceps into your diet.
This mushroom-chocolate combo was a delicious treat!
We all enjoyed this dessert this evening!
Would you try mushrooms in your dessert?
My share to 
Have a lovely day,
Mariah 😊💗