Homemade Lemon Ice Cream Recipe (2024)

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ByAnn Drake

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This homemade lemon ice cream recipe is so easy, and it’s the perfect summer dessert. All you need to make it are fresh ingredients and a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker!

When you think of summer, what first comes to mind? For me it’s pool time, warm weather, flip-flops, long walks, and ice cream. Today, I’m sharing a delicious homemade lemon ice cream recipe, and it couldn’t be easier.

First, before we get into the recipe details, a short summer story.

When I was growing up, my mom and dad made ice cream every summer. We had an old crank ice cream maker, and the whole process took a few hours. (At some point we did get an electric ice cream maker and that made the job easier.) We made it in our garage, and it was always hot. My mom would make the mixture, and my dad would handle the churning. My brothers and I would gather up old lawn chairs or buckets, and sit around the ice cream maker, just waiting for the ice cream to stop churning.

As the ice cream maker slowed down, our anticipation would always go way up. The rock salt and ice made such a mess, but my parents never seemed to mind. That ice cream was always such a treat, and it had the most incredible taste. It’s a piece of my childhood that I will never forget.

Making ice cream in a Cuisinart isn’t the same thing, but it did bring back some good memories. I made a batch of vanilla ice cream as a practice run, and gave most of it to my dad. He thoroughly enjoyed it!

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Why This Recipe Works

The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker enables you to make homemade ice cream whenever you want, and it’s so easy. It’s something the whole family can be a part of, especially the kids. It’s the perfect summertime activity!

Instructions

  • Prepare to make the ice cream by placing the Cuisinart bowl in the freezer for 24 hours.
  • In a large bowl, place milk, whipping cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Whisk to combine, or use a mixer on low speed.
  • Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Combine well.
  • Cover and place in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.
  • Remove the milk mixture from the refrigerator and gently whisk together.
  • Remove the Cuisinart bowl from the freezer and place it on the ice cream maker.
  • Pour the milk mixture into the frozen bowl.
  • Add the mixing paddle and easy-lock lid. Churn for 20 minutes.
  • When finished, put the ice cream in a freezer safe container.
  • Freeze until firm.
  • Garnish with fresh lemon zest if desired. Serve & enjoy!

TIPS

  • Most homemade ice cream recipes can be made in the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. The thing to pay attention to is the amount of liquid you put into the freezer bowl. Do not overfill it. The magic number when it comes to the combination of liquids is 3 cups. (For this lemon ice cream I used 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup milk, and 1/2 cup lemon juice. It all equals 3 cups.)
  • The milk mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Minimum refrigeration time is 2 hours, overnight is best.
  • As the mixture churns, it also expands. Towards the end of the churning time, it may start to overflow just a bit. It’s nothing to worry about, because by that time the ice cream is set, and no dripping occurs.
  • The Cuisinart freezer bowl is really very nifty. It can be stored right in the freezer, so it’s ready to go anytime you feel like making ice cream!
  • After the finished ice cream has been in the freezer a while, it gets very hard. Just remove it from the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. It will be much easier to scoop.

Can lower fat milk & cream be used?

Yes…definitely. Keep in mind though that the higher fat products are what makes the ice cream rich and creamy. If less fat is used, the texture will be different, as well as the consistency.

Homemade Lemon Ice Cream Recipe (6)

Lactose Intolerant Solution

My son is lactose intolerant, so the last time his family visited, I used his a2 milk to make a batch of ice cream. I substituted 2.5 cups of a2 (it was 2%) for the whole milk and heavy cream. It was delicious!

Variations

(adapted from cuisinart.com)

  • Vanilla Ice Cream: 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar, pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon high quality vanilla bean paste. (This is what I made my dad, and it was delicious!)
  • Chocolate Ice Cream: 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup sifted cocoa powder, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, pinch of salt, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.

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Shop + Source

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker | set of 4 yellow bowls | ice cream scoop | set of 4 yellow towels | white handled flatware | citrus juicer | citrus zester | glass loaf pan with lid | lemon table runner

If you are on the fence about purchasing an ice cream maker, I want to encourage you to give it a try. It’s the only way to get that fresh, old fashioned taste and consistency from days gone by. I love that there is nothing to cook, and it’s very quick and easy. I read tons of reviews before I decided on a Cuisinart, and I am positive I made the right choice.

I wish I would have had an ice cream maker when my kids were young…but since I can’t go back, I plan to make it with my grandchildren. Hopefully it will become a summer tradition when everyone comes to Grandma’s house!

Homemade Lemon Ice Cream

This homemade lemon ice cream recipe is so easy, and is the perfect summer dessert. All you need to make it are fresh ingredients and a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker!

Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

4.75 from 64 votes

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Ann Drake

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Churning time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Equipment

  • Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (just a pinch)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (heaping)

Instructions

  • Prepare to make the ice cream by placing the Cuisinart bowl in the freezer for 24 hours.

  • In a large bowl, place milk, whipping cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Whisk to combine, or use a mixer on low speed.

  • Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Combine well.

  • Cover and place in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.

  • Remove the milk mixture from the refrigerator and gently whisk together.

  • Remove the Cuisinart bowl from the freezer and place it on the ice cream maker.

  • Pour the milk mixture into the frozen bowl.

  • Add the mixing paddle and easy-lock lid. Churn for 20 minutes.

  • When finished, put the ice cream in a freezer safe container.

  • Freeze until firm.

  • Garnish with fresh lemon zest if desired. Serve & enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 681IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 1mg

Like this recipe?Follow me at @onsuttonplace

If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!

Homemade Lemon Ice Cream Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is lemon ice cream made of? ›

In a large bowl, place milk, whipping cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Whisk to combine, or use a mixer on low speed. Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Combine well.

What is the secret ingredient to ice cream? ›

The cream cheese helps create an ice cream with a denser, smoother texture. As explained by TASTE, cream cheese acts as a stabilizer in ice cream, preventing water from seeping out of the milk and cream as well as preventing the formation of ice crystals that detract from ice cream's creaminess.

How to make ice cream 6 steps? ›

How to Make Ice Cream
  1. Step 1: Ingredients. whole milk. ...
  2. Step 2: Mixing. mix 1 cup of whole milk with 3/4 of a cup of sugar in a big bowl. ...
  3. Step 3: Mixing (part 2) ...
  4. Step 4: Machine Mixing. ...
  5. Step 5: Scooping and Putting the Ice Cream Away. ...
  6. Step 6: Enjoy!

How to make homemade ice cream in 5 steps? ›

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream
  1. Cook the milk, cream, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a measuring cup, then add the vanilla extract. ...
  3. Pour the mix into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's directions.
  4. Serve immediately or ripen in the freezer before serving.
Jun 22, 2023

Why do you put lemon juice in ice cream? ›

The tartness of lemon juice can provide a contrasting and refreshing taste when paired with the sweetness of ice cream. It's similar to how people enjoy sorbets, which often have a fruity and tangy flavor profile. If you're curious about how ice cream and lemon juice taste together, you can give it a try.

Can you mix lemon juice and cream? ›

Adding lemon juice to heavy cream is a common method for making lemon whipped cream and other lemon-flavored desserts.

What are the 3 most important ingredients of ice cream? ›

If you have ever made ice cream, you already know what goes into it, ingredients such as milk, cream, and sugar. But there is one main ingredient that you may not have thought about, probably because you can't see it—air.

What thickens homemade ice cream? ›

Egg Yolks: The most traditional thickening agent, egg yolks contain natural proteins and fats that contribute to a rich and luxurious texture in custard-based ice creams. Cornstarch: Often used in non-custard ice creams, cornstarch mixed with milk helps thicken the base and create a smooth mouthfeel.

How to make ice cream at home for beginners? ›

Combine the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm for 5 minutes, whisking often, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is warmed through. Then, chill the ice cream base. Transfer it to a heatproof bowl, cover, and chill for 2 hours or overnight.

How to make ice cream at home in 10 minutes? ›

Step 1In a small resealable plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Push out excess air and seal. Step 2Into a large resealable plastic bag, combine ice and salt. Place small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.

How to make ice cream manually? ›

Making Ice Cream Without A Machine
  1. Prepare your ice cream mixture, then chill it over an ice bath.
  2. Put a deep baking dish, or bowl made of plastic, stainless steel or something durable in the freezer, and pour your custard mixture into it.
  3. After forty-five minutes, open the door and check it.
Jul 30, 2007

How to make ice cream better at home? ›

Adding candy pieces, nuts or dried or fresh fruit to your ice cream can add a whole new flavor and texture dimension. Mix-ins should be small, around the size of a chocolate chip, so the ice cream maker can incorporate them into the frozen ice cream.

Is lemon ice dairy? ›

This classic flavor is a refreshing dairy-free addition to any day under the sun.

Where did lemon top ice cream come from? ›

Where did Lemon Tops Originate from? Although the original Lemon Top wasn't founded in Saltburn, it was actually founded a short walk away in the town of Redcar. It is estimated that the first lemon top ice cream was produced in around 1924 in the ice cream shop Pacittos in Redcar.

Is lemon ice good for you? ›

The benefits of drinking lemon water include aiding in digesting, helping you lose weight, a vitamin C and potassium boost, preventing kidney stones and helps keep your body hydrated. While adding a squeeze of lemon into your water is a fine, these lemon ice cubes will up the lemon flavor and keep it nice and cold.

What is lemon sorbet made of? ›

In a pitcher or bowl, stir together the lemon syrup with peel, lemon juice and mineral water. Pour into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Garnish each serving with a twist of lemon peel. If you do not have an ice cream maker, you may freeze it in a tall canister.

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