
Vanilla Bean Sundae with Blackberry Jam, Dark Chocolate, Olive Oil & Flaky Salt
Sometimes, it's just about the little joys. An ice cream sundae on a school night? Yep, that's one of them — and even more so when it's paired with our NA Red Blend.
This one by Lauren Hodgen of Citrus Diaries. is worth the effort. A silky homemade vanilla bean base, a quick blackberry jam that comes together in minutes, a hit of dark chocolate, and a finish of fruity olive oil and flaky salt. It's a sundae that feels grown up without taking itself too seriously. Pour yourself a glass while you churn.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
2 cups heavy cream 1 cup whole milk ¾ cup sugar 5 large egg yolks 1 vanilla bean, split & scraped (seeds + pod) 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp fine salt
Blackberry Jam
1½ cups blackberries (fresh or frozen) 3 tbsp sugar 1 tsp lemon juice Pinch of salt
For Assembly
2–3 scoops vanilla bean ice cream per bowl Spoonful of blackberry jam 1 tbsp chopped dark chocolate (70% preferred) 1–2 tsp good fruity olive oil Flaky sea salt
Make the Ice Cream Base
- In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, half the sugar, and the vanilla bean seeds and pod. Heat over medium until steaming — not boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and thick.
- Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot cream into the yolks while whisking constantly, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook on low, stirring constantly, until the custard coats the back of a spoon (170–175°F / 77–80°C).
- Remove the vanilla pod. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract. Chill completely — at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to your machine's instructions. Freeze until scoopable, about 2–4 hours.
Make the Blackberry Jam
Simmer blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a small saucepan for 6–8 minutes until thick and glossy. Cool completely before using — it should be jammy, not hot.
Build Your Sundae
- Scoop ice cream into a chilled bowl.
- Spoon the blackberry jam over the top.
- Sprinkle with chopped dark chocolate.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Finish with flaky salt. Serve immediately.
Pair with Tomorrow Red Blend — the fruit-forward notes play beautifully against the blackberry and dark chocolate, while the wine's smooth finish lets the vanilla and olive oil linger exactly as they should.