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Fresh Lemon Ice Cream

This Easy Lemon Ice Cream has only 4 ingredients and one of them is not Sweetened Condensed Milk. The ice cream turns out creamy and smooth like velvet. The perfect after dinner dessert, that is light and helps with digestion. So good!

Lemon Ice cream in a glass bowl with remaining in the loaf pan.


 

After I made this Lemon Ice Cream froze it and was ready to eat, I could not believe not only how smooth it was, but also how it tasted. Just like a Lemon Sorbet we would always be served mid meal during a wedding or baptism in Italy.

The reason they serve it, is because these celebrations have so many courses and pretty much last about 5 hours or more that it is considered to help with digestion. I don’t know about that, but it was one of my favourite parts of the whole meal!

Does Lemon Sorbet help with digestion?

It is not the sorbet that helps with digestion , but the lemon juice, it’s just a bonus that this dessert is so delicious. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, that could help maintain your immunity system.

What does no churn mean?

For most no churn ice cream, it means no ice cream maker is needed. All you really need is about 10 minutes and an electric mixer. The basic recipe uses only 3 ingredients, sweetened condensed milk, whole cream which is at least 30% fat and vanilla. Of course this recipe is a bit different where all you need is a bowl, a whisk and 4 ingredients, cream, sugar, lemon juice and half and half!

How to make it

In a large bowl gently stir together the cream and sugar until the sugar dissolves.

Cream & sugar mixed in a white bowl with a wooden spoon, lemon juice in a jar & half & half in a blue bowl.

Gradually stir in the lemon juice and whisk to combine, then add the half and half and mix to combine.

Ingredients all mixed together.

Pour into a loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm or over night. Scoop and serve.

The unfrozen lemon ice cream in a white loaf pan.

What is fine sugar?

Fine or Caster sugar is slightly finer and dissolves more easily than regular granulated sugar. You can substitute it at a 1 for 1 basis or you can make your own fine sugar just by blending granulated sugar until fine.

What is whole cream?

Whole cream also known as heavy cream has at least 30% fat content. You can also use whipping cream which also has a high fat content.

What is half and half cream?

Half and half is just a blend of equal amounts of milk and cream. Whereas heavy cream has at least 30 percent fat, half-and-half has between 10 and 18 percent. You can use half and half in recipes but because it is lower in fat it cannot be whipped, it won’t hold the peaks.

lemon ice cream in a loaf pan with a scoop of ice cream on top.

How to make your own half and half

If you live in a country like me that doesn’t sell half and half, it is very easy to make your own. Mix together for example, ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of heavy or whole cream to make homemade half and half.

How long does no churn ice cream last in the freezer

It will last for up to a couple of weeks, longer than that and the texture may become grainy with ice crystals. It should be kept in an airtight freezer safe container.

More Frozen Treats to try

So if you are looking for the perfect Summer Dessert that is light and so smooth, then this Lemon Ice Cream is the one for you! Enjoy!

Lemon ice cream in a glass bowl.
Lemon ice cream in a glass bowl.

Fresh Lemon Ice Cream

Rosemary Molloy
This Easy Lemon Ice Cream has only 4 ingredients and one of them is not Sweetened Condensed Milk. It's creamy and smooth like velvet.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 481 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup whole/heavy cream
  • 1 cup sugar (fine/caster)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (strained)
  • 1 cup half and half

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl gently stir together with a whisk the cream and sugar until the sugar dissolves, approximately 10-15 minutes.
  • Gradually stir in the lemon juice and whisk to combine, then add the half and half combine well.
  • Pour the mixture into a loaf pan (8 inch/ 20 cm), cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm 3-4 hours or over night. Scoop and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

What is Caster/fine sugar –  is slightly finer and dissolves more easily than regular granulated sugar. You can make your own fine sugar just by blending granulated sugar until fine, but not powdery.
You can make your own half and half but combining 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of cream, mix to combine.

Nutrition

Calories: 481kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 1090IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 1mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

16 Comments

    1. Hi Linda, I have never made it with low fat, it wouldn’t be as creamy and you might get a lot of ice crystals. If you try it let me know how it goes. Take care and have a great weekend!

  1. Does the heavy cream have to be whisked until soft peaks form or keep it in the liquid state?

      1. Thanks for responding so quickly I will definitely give this a try as my husband and I both love lemon!

  2. The lemon ice cream was absolutely delicious. The creamy texture was wonderful! My guests really enjoyed it! I plan on making it many times to come!

  3. 5 stars
    This is best and easiest lemon ice cream I have ever made! My friends loved it, tasted really lemony and creamy better than bought any day! Will be making lots more !

    1. Hi Carol, I have never made it in an ice cream maker, so I can’t really say, although it could I really don’t see why not. Let me know if you do.

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