Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of a sunny day, bursting with tangy lemon flavor and creamy smoothness - without ever turning on the stove! This No Churn Lemonade Ice Cream is your ticket to instant dessert paradise, combining the zesty brightness of fresh lemons with the luxurious richness of sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for beating the heat and impressing your friends, this recipe is so simple that even novice home cooks can create a gourmet-style treat in just minutes. Get ready to transform your summer gatherings with this irresistible, no-fuss dessert that tastes like it came straight from a fancy ice cream shop!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and smooth.
- In a separate clean, chilled bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture, using a spatula. Be careful to fold slowly and carefully to maintain the air and volume of the whipped cream, which will help create a light and creamy texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, such as a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and smooth the top.
- Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Place the container in the freezer and let it set for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the ice cream is firm.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.
- Serve chilled and optionally garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh mint leaves for extra presentation.
Tips
- Chill Your Equipment: Before whipping cream, place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This helps the cream whip faster and achieve stiffer peaks.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant, authentic flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat and less aromatic.
- Zest Technique: When zesting your lemon, only scrape the bright yellow part of the peel. Avoid the white pith underneath, which can add bitterness.
- Folding Method: When incorporating whipped cream, use a gentle folding motion with a spatula. This preserves the air bubbles, ensuring a light, creamy texture.
- Freezing Hack: To prevent ice crystals, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before covering the container.
- Serving Suggestion: For picture-perfect scoops, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
