Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer treat: lemon icebox pie ice cream! It’s this wonderfully refreshing dessert that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, making it just right for those sweltering hot days when you need something cool and satisfying. I remember the first time I made it; it was one of those blistering afternoons, and the sun was blazing down. I whipped up a batch and as soon as I took that first lick, I felt like I was transported to a sunny beach, the kind where you can hear the waves crashing in the distance. Trust me, every spoonful is like a mini-vacation! The zesty lemon flavor just dances on your tongue, and the creamy texture? Wow! It’s like a delicious hug on a hot day. If you’re looking for something to beat the heat, this lemon icebox pie ice cream is definitely the way to go!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy lemon icebox pie ice cream. I promise it’s super simple, and you probably have most of these ingredients on hand already!
- 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best for that bright flavor)
- 1 cup sugar (this balances out the tartness perfectly)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy texture)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (this adds sweetness and richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a little hint of warmth)
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (for that classic pie crust crunch)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (this intensifies that lemony goodness)
Make sure all your ingredients are chilled before mixing; it really helps with the final texture of the ice cream. Trust me, it makes a difference! Now let’s get ready to make something truly delicious!
How to Prepare Lemon Icebox Pie Ice Cream
Get ready to dive into the delightful process of making your very own lemon icebox pie ice cream! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s just bursting with flavor. Let’s break it down step by step!
Step 1: Mix the Base
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl—trust me, you want one that’s big enough to give you some room to stir without making a mess! Pour in the 1 cup of lemon juice and 1 cup of sugar. Now, mix them together until the sugar fully dissolves. This makes sure you get that lovely sweetness evenly blended into the tart lemon juice. I like to use a whisk for this part; it’s quick and effective!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in the creamy goodness! Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You want that luscious creaminess to blend in beautifully with the lemon mixture. Don’t be shy with your stirring—get in there and make it smooth!
Step 3: Fold in Zest and Crust
Next up, add in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers. Now, here’s where you need to be gentle. Use a spatula to fold the zest and graham crackers into the mixture. Folding helps keep the air in, which is essential for a light texture. Plus, those little bits of graham cracker add a delightful crunch that mimics the pie crust!
Step 4: Churn the Mixture
Now we get to the fun part—churning! Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on it. You want it to be thick and creamy, and not too soft! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, no worries! You can pour it into a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until it’s frozen. It might take a bit longer, but it’ll still be delicious!
Step 5: Freeze the Ice Cream
Once your ice cream has reached that perfect consistency, transfer it to a container. Make sure to seal it tightly! Pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours to let it firm up nicely. If you can wait overnight, even better! Trust me, the flavors will develop beautifully as it freezes. When you’re ready to serve, just scoop it into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top for a fresh touch!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this zesty lemon icebox pie ice cream. Keep in mind, the nutrition facts can vary a bit based on the specific brands you use and the exact ingredients, so these numbers are just a general guideline. But hey, it’s nice to know what you’re diving into, right?
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 3g
So there you have it! A deliciously creamy treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, but just remember to enjoy it in moderation. Now, who’s ready for a scoop?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this lemon icebox pie ice cream is a total game-changer! Here are just a few reasons why you’re going to love making this refreshing treat:
- Quick to Prepare: It takes just 15 minutes to whip up the base, plus a little time in the freezer. You’ll be digging into this deliciousness in no time!
- Refreshing Flavor: The bright, zesty lemon flavor is like a burst of sunshine! It’s the perfect antidote to a hot day.
- Creamy Texture: Thanks to the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk, this ice cream is super creamy and smooth—just the way we want it!
- Perfect Summer Treat: It’s light, cool, and absolutely satisfying, making it a go-to dessert for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a cozy night at home.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with different zests or toppings to keep things exciting—there’s so much room for creativity!
- Impress Your Friends: Everyone will think you’re a culinary genius when you serve this up. It’s such a crowd-pleaser!
Trust me, once you try this lemon icebox pie ice cream, you’ll be hooked and making it over and over again!
Tips for Success
Now, before you dive into making this lemon icebox pie ice cream, I want to share some of my top tips for achieving the best flavor and texture. These little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Use Fresh Lemons: Seriously, fresh lemons are the star of this recipe! The vibrant flavor and aroma from fresh juice and zest are unbeatable compared to bottled lemon juice. You’ll really taste the difference, trust me!
- Adjust the Sweetness: Everyone’s taste buds are a bit different, so feel free to tweak the sugar to your liking. If you prefer a tangier ice cream, you can reduce the sugar slightly. Just remember to taste as you go!
- Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are chilled before you start mixing. This is super important for the final texture of your ice cream. It helps it churn up nice and creamy, and you’ll be left with a scoopable delight!
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the zest and graham crackers, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a denser texture. You want to keep that lightness, so just fold until everything is combined.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of other citrus juices or even some fresh berries to the mix. It’s a fun way to switch things up and create your own unique version!
- Let It Freeze Properly: Patience is key! Be sure to freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, but if you can wait overnight, do it! The flavors meld together beautifully, and you’ll get the best texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a truly delicious lemon icebox pie ice cream that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Variations of Lemon Icebox Pie Ice Cream
If you’re like me, you love a recipe that invites a little creativity! This lemon icebox pie ice cream is a fantastic base to play around with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variations that will keep your taste buds dancing:
- Key Lime Twist: Swap out some of the lemon juice for fresh key lime juice. This gives a fun tropical vibe that’s just perfect for summer!
- Orange Zest: Add a tablespoon of orange zest along with the lemon zest for a delightful citrus medley. It brings an extra layer of flavor that’s simply divine!
- Berry Bliss: Toss in a cup of fresh or frozen berries, like blueberries or raspberries, right before you churn the mixture. They’ll create beautiful swirls and add a burst of fruity goodness.
- Coconut Cream: Replace half of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a creamy, tropical twist that complements the lemon perfectly!
- Vanilla Bean Delight: For a more decadent flavor, add a tablespoon of vanilla bean paste along with the vanilla extract. You’ll get those gorgeous little specks and a richer flavor.
- Minty Fresh: A tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint mixed in before churning can add a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon!
- Chocolate Drizzle: After churning, drizzle some melted chocolate into the ice cream before freezing for a rich surprise in every scoop. Yum!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! Each variation brings something unique to the table, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite flavor combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store that delicious lemon icebox pie ice cream so it stays as fabulous as the day you made it! Proper storage is key to keeping the flavor and texture just right.
First off, once your ice cream is fully frozen, make sure to transfer it to an airtight container. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep any unwanted odors out. I like to press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container. It creates a little barrier that helps keep it nice and fresh!
You can store your lemon icebox pie ice cream in the freezer for up to two weeks. But let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long because it’s just too good! When you’re ready for a scoop, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This helps soften it just enough to scoop easily without losing that creamy texture. Nobody wants to wrestle with rock-hard ice cream, right?
And just a quick note: if you notice any ice crystals forming on the surface, don’t worry! Just give it a good stir to smooth everything out before serving. If you happen to have any leftovers after serving, simply re-cover it tightly and pop it back in the freezer. Easy peasy!
Now, go ahead and enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite of your lemon icebox pie ice cream, knowing it’s perfectly stored for your next indulgent treat!
Imprimer
Lemon Icebox Pie Ice Cream: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Temps Total: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing dessert combining the flavors of lemon icebox pie and ice cream.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
- Add heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- Fold in lemon zest and crushed graham crackers.
- Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Serve in bowls and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are chilled before mixing.
- Adjust sweetness based on personal preference.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Churning
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 25g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 18g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: lemon icebox pie ice cream, lemon dessert, ice cream recipe
