Lemon ice cream

Lemon ice cream is a refreshing and tangy treat that embodies the essence of summer with its bright, citrusy flavor. This frozen dessert balances the sweetness of cream and sugar with the sharp, invigorating taste of lemon, creating a delightful contrast that’s both satisfying and exhilarating.

• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes to mix the ingredients.
• Churning Time: 20-30 minutes in an ice cream maker.
• Freezing Time: 1-3 hours in the freezer to firm up after churning.

• Ingredients

  To make lemon ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  1. 2 cups heavy cream – This provides a rich, smooth base for the ice cream.
  2. 1 cup whole milk – It helps to lighten the cream while still contributing to the creamy texture.
  3. 3/4 cup granulated sugar – This sweetens the mixture, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
  4. 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice – For the best flavor, use fresh lemons. The juice adds a tangy punch.
  5. Zest of 2 lemons – Lemon zest enhances the flavor, giving it an aromatic quality.
  6. 4 large egg yolks – These add richness and help the ice cream achieve a creamy consistency.
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This rounds out the flavor, adding a subtle hint of vanilla.

  Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
     • In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and the sugar is dissolved. Do not let it boil.
  2. Make the Lemon Mixture:
     • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. Gradually add a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. This helps prevent the eggs from curdling.
  3. Combine and Cook:
     • Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This process usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
  4. Add Flavor:
     • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure the lemon flavor is evenly distributed.
  5. Cool and Chill:
     • Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture when churning.
  6. Churn the Ice Cream:
     • Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This process typically takes 20 to 25 minutes, depending on your ice cream maker.
  7. Freeze to Firm:
     • Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2 to 4 hours to allow it to firm up before serving.

  Serving

  Lemon ice cream is perfect on its own, but it can also be paired with fresh berries, a drizzle of berry sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for added texture. Its tangy flavor makes it a great palate cleanser between courses or a light, refreshing dessert on a hot day.