Have you ever craved something that's both creamy and refreshingly tart at the same time?

If yes, this homemade lemon ice cream is your next go-to treat! Packed with the zesty flavor of lemons, it's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

This recipe creates a custard-based ice cream that's sure to impress, and the best part? It's incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. So let's dive into this citrusy delight!

Ingredients You'll Need

For this recipe, we'll be using ingredients that you probably already have at home. Here's a list of what you'll need to make about 1.5 quarts of lemon ice cream:

• 200g (1 cup) fine granulated sugar

• Zest of 4 large lemons

• A pinch of fine sea salt

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or heavy cream)

• 1 cup whole milk

• 6 egg yolks

• ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Preparing the Ice Cream Base

The first step is to make the custard base. Start by pouring the sugar into a pan. Zest the lemons over the sugar, then gently rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers. This is an essential step, as it releases the oils from the lemon zest, infusing the sugar with that bright citrus scent.

After that, add the salt, heavy cream, whole milk, and egg yolks. Whisk everything together to combine.

Once everything is well mixed, set the pan on low heat. You'll need to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, and the thermometer reads about 160°F. This ensures that the egg yolks are properly cooked, making the custard smooth and safe to eat.

Adding the Lemon Kick

Once the custard is at the right temperature, remove it from the heat. Now, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and vanilla extract. These additions are what give the ice cream its signature lemony zing and lovely aroma. After mixing everything well, pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl.

Let the custard cool at room temperature for a while, then cover it tightly and place it in the fridge. For the best results, allow it to chill for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting period is crucial as it helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more vibrant and delicious ice cream.

Churning the Ice Cream

After the chilling period, you might notice that a thick layer has formed on top of the ice cream base. No worries! Just give it a quick whisk to smooth it out before transferring it to your ice cream maker. Follow your machine's instructions to churn the custard into ice cream.

Churning incorporates air into the mixture, making it light and creamy while freezing it to the perfect texture. Depending on your ice cream maker, this can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Once it's done, transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container.

Storing and Enjoying Your Lemon Ice Cream

Now that your lemon ice cream is ready, you'll want to let it firm up in the freezer for a few hours before serving. This will allow it to reach the perfect consistency. Once frozen, your ice cream will stay fresh and delicious for 2-3 weeks. But honestly, we don't think it'll last that long because it's just so irresistible!

Whenever you're ready to enjoy, scoop out the creamy, tart goodness and savor every bite. The combination of rich creaminess and zesty lemon will transport you to summer, even on the coldest of days!

This lemon ice cream is a must-try. Not only is it a fun and easy recipe to make, but it's also a refreshing treat that's sure to brighten your day. Whether you enjoy it as a special dessert or just want to indulge in something homemade, this lemon ice cream is bound to be a hit!

3-Ingredient Lemon Ice Cream Recipe | No Ice Cream Machine

Video by The Cooking Foodie