Imagine a dessert that transports you instantly to the sun-drenched citrus groves of Italy, where Meyer lemons burst with a unique sweetness and vibrant flavor. This Meyer Lemon Gelato is not just a dessert—it's a creamy, tangy experience that will revolutionize your understanding of homemade frozen treats. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines luxurious Italian technique with the bright, sophisticated essence of Meyer lemons, creating a dessert so irresistible, you'll want to make it again and again!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup Meyer lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, and whole milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Stir in the Meyer lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap directly touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill completely.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes, until the gelato reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned gelato to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Smooth the top with a spatula and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
- Freeze for at least 2-3 hours until firm. Allow the gelato to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Serve in chilled bowls, garnishing with additional lemon zest if desired. Best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored in the freezer.
Tips
- Use fresh Meyer lemons for the most authentic and intense flavor. Their unique sweetness sets this gelato apart from standard lemon desserts.
- Ensure your cream and milk mixture is completely smooth before adding lemon juice to prevent curdling.
- Chill the base thoroughly before churning—this is crucial for achieving that classic creamy gelato texture.
- Invest in a good quality ice cream maker for the best results, but don't worry if you don't have one. You can still make this by manually stirring the mixture every hour while freezing.
- For an extra luxurious touch, garnish with candied lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
- Store your gelato with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Let the gelato sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect scoopable consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 475kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 120mg
