Easy Lemon Vanilla Ice Cream

If you love the refreshing taste of lemon and the creamy sweetness of vanilla, then this easy lemon vanilla ice cream recipe is perfect for you. Made with simple ingredients, this homemade ice cream is a delightful treat for those hot summer days.

To make this delicious dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Pour the cooled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

When serving, you can garnish the lemon vanilla ice cream with additional lemon zest or a slice of fresh lemon for added flavor. Enjoy this creamy and tangy dessert on its own or as a topping for your favorite summer desserts.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start making your easy lemon vanilla ice cream, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything prepared in advance will make the process smoother and save you time.

To make this refreshing dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

• Heavy Cream: This is the base of your ice cream and provides a creamy texture.
• Whole Milk: The milk adds richness to the ice cream.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and balances the tartness of the lemon.
• Lemon: You will need the zest and juice of a lemon to infuse the ice cream with a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic vanilla flavor.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the ice cream.

In addition to these ingredients, you will also need an ice cream maker to churn the mixture and turn it into creamy ice cream. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can try using the manual method of freezing the mixture in a shallow dish and stirring it every hour until it reaches the desired consistency.

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to enjoying a delicious homemade lemon vanilla ice cream. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

Prepare the Ice Cream Base

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolks
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest

Start by combining the milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture until it begins to steam, but not boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until well combined. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

Once the milk mixture and egg yolks are combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and heat it over low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This process is called tempering, and it helps to create a smooth and custard-like base for the ice cream.

Add the Lemon and Vanilla Flavors

To incorporate the lemon flavor, you can start by zesting a fresh lemon. The lemon zest contains essential oils that bring a bright, citrusy aroma to the ice cream. Once you have the zest, mix it into the ice cream base along with the other ingredients. This will infuse the lemon flavor throughout the dessert and give it a zesty kick.

To complement the lemon flavor, vanilla extract can be added. Vanilla extract enhances the overall taste of the ice cream and adds a subtle sweetness. This ingredient pairs well with the tangy lemon and balances the flavors, creating a harmonious blend. It is recommended to use pure vanilla extract for the best results.

To ensure that the lemon and vanilla flavors are evenly distributed, mix the ice cream base thoroughly before transferring it to the ice cream maker. This will help incorporate the flavors into the base and create a smooth, consistent texture. Once the ice cream is churned, it will have a refreshing lemon taste with a hint of vanilla that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.