Homemade No Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe

If you are searching for a delightfully tangy yet creamy treat to impress your friends and family, this Homemade No Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine a velvety smooth lemon ice cream packed with bright citrus flavors, all made effortlessly without the need for an ice cream machine. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or an anytime refreshing dessert. This recipe combines the zing of fresh lemon zest and juice with the rich creaminess of whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. The best part? It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, making it an absolute breeze to whip up and indulge in on a sunny day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this luscious Homemade No Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe, you’ll only need five simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing the creamy texture and vibrant citrus zing that makes this ice cream so irresistible.

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream: Using very cold cream helps achieve those perfect stiff peaks, creating a fluffy base for the ice cream.
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk: This adds the ideal amount of sweetness and creaminess without overpowering the lemon flavor.
• 1½ tablespoons lemon zest: Freshly grated zest provides an intense lemon aroma and brightens every spoonful.
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: The juice adds authentic citrus tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor, making it more complex and smooth.
• Pinch of sea salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor, helping every ingredient pop delightfully on the palate.
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon curd (optional): For an extra burst of lemony goodness, swirled lemon curd takes this recipe to the next level of indulgence.

How to Make Homemade No Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Lemon Base

Start by whisking together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt in a medium-sized bowl. This mixture forms the flavorful foundation of your ice cream, where the layers of citrus and sweetness will shine.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks begin to form—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The whipped cream introduces luscious airiness and lightness, ensuring your ice cream isn’t too dense.

Step 3: Fold Ingredients Together

Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon-condensed milk mixture using a spatula. This careful folding keeps the airy texture intact while evenly blending the tangy lemon flavor with the creamy base.

Step 4: Add Optional Lemon Curd Swirl

If you want to elevate your ice cream’s lemon flavor, swirl in 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon curd on top of the mixture. Using a toothpick or knife, create beautiful swirls for a visually stunning and flavor-packed finish.

Step 5: Freeze Until Firm

Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container—something like a bread pan works perfectly. Cover it tightly and freeze for 4 to 6 hours or until the ice cream is firm enough to scoop. Patience here is rewarded with the creamiest, scoopable texture you’ve ever had in no churn ice cream.

How to Serve Homemade No Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

A scoop of this lemon ice cream shines brightly with simple garnishes. Try topping with a few thin lemon slices, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and extra freshness that complements the citrus notes wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Homemade No Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe with fresh berry compote, shortbread cookies, or a crisp almond biscotti. These accompaniments add texture contrast and a hint of richness that makes each bite truly special and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve your lemon ice cream in hollowed-out lemon halves or charming mini glass bowls. Alternatively, layer the ice cream with lemon curd and crushed graham crackers in a parfait glass to turn this simple dessert into an elegant treat everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Homemade No Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two weeks. Just make sure to cover it well with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals and maintain that creamy texture.

Freezing

After preparing your ice cream, pop it right into the freezer where it will firm up in a few hours. The no churn method means no worry about ice cream machines or stirring during freezing—a perfect hands-off dessert.

Reheating

While you don’t want to reheat ice cream, a great tip is to let your Homemade No Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This softens the texture just enough for easy scooping without losing that frozen delight feeling.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or light cream for this recipe?

For the creamiest and most indulgent texture, it’s best to use full-fat heavy whipping cream. Lower fat options won’t whip to the needed consistency, resulting in a less creamy ice cream.

Is it possible to substitute the lemon zest and juice with another citrus?

Absolutely! You can experiment with lime, orange, or even grapefruit zest and juice for unique citrus variations, but lemon offers the perfect balance of tang and sweetness in this recipe.

Can I add herbs like basil or mint to the recipe?

Yes! Infusing the cream with basil or mint beforehand adds a lovely herbal note that complements lemon beautifully. Just warm the cream with herbs, chill well, strain, and proceed as usual.

How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?

Using the right ingredients like heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk and folding gently helps keep the ice cream smooth. Also, covering the container tightly during freezing reduces ice crystal formation.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This particular recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients for texture and flavor, so a vegan version would require significant substitutions, such as coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk alternatives, and may alter the final taste.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade No Churn Lemon Ice Cream Recipe is hands down one of the easiest, most refreshing, and crowd-pleasing desserts you can make at home. It combines effortless preparation with a bright burst of citrus flavor that feels like sunshine in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become your go-to treat for warm days, parties, or simply whenever a little homemade magic is needed in your life.

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