Classic Lemon Ice Cream
Introduction:
Classic Lemon Ice Cream is a refreshing, tangy dessert that balances the perfect amount of sweetness and citrus flavor. This homemade ice cream is creamy, smooth, and bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, making it a perfect treat for summer, holidays, or any time you want to enjoy a tangy, cool dessert. Whether you’re enjoying it as a standalone treat or paired with a warm dessert, this ice cream is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot (but not boiling).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the yolks. Gradually add more of the cream mixture, continuing to whisk, until all of the cream has been incorporated into the yolks.
2. Cook the Custard:
- Return the custard mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon and reaches 170°F (77°C) on a thermometer.
- Once thickened, remove the custard from heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any curdled bits.
3. Add Lemon Flavor:
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the custard. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill completely.
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
- Once the custard is fully chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-30 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
5. Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
Tips:
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this lemon ice cream by pouring the custard into a shallow pan and freezing it, stirring every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- For extra texture, consider adding a swirl of lemon curd or crushed graham crackers before freezing.
- If you like a stronger lemon flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice, but be careful not to overpower the other flavors.
History of Lemon Ice Cream:
Lemon ice cream has been a favorite dessert for centuries. Originating in Europe, where citrus fruits were plentiful, it became popular as a refreshing treat during hot weather. By the 18th century, the concept of freezing desserts, which would evolve into ice cream, had spread across the globe. Lemon ice cream quickly became a go-to flavor for those looking for a tangy and refreshing alternative to the sweeter vanilla or chocolate varieties.
Benefits:
- Vitamin C: Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and improve skin health.
- Digestive Aid: The acidity of lemon can aid in digestion, making it a great addition to any meal or as a dessert after eating.
- Low in Fat: While this ice cream is creamy, it’s made with whole milk and heavy cream in moderation, so it’s a treat that’s rich but not excessively high in fat compared to many store-bought varieties.
Nutrition (per serving, about 1/2 cup):
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
Conclusion:
Classic Lemon Ice Cream is a delightful, tangy dessert that perfectly balances the refreshing taste of lemon with the rich creaminess of homemade ice cream. Its smooth texture and zesty flavor make it the perfect treat for hot summer days or any occasion when you need a sweet, citrusy pick-me-up. Whether served on its own or paired with fresh fruit or a warm dessert, this ice cream will be a favorite among lemon lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Lovers of Tangy Desserts:
If you love the refreshing and bold taste of citrus, this Classic Lemon Ice Cream is the perfect treat for you. Its balance of sweetness and tartness, combined with its creamy texture, makes it a must-try for anyone who enjoys the bright, zesty flavors of lemon. Make a batch today and share it with your friends and family to enjoy the perfect sweet and sour combination!
