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Creamy Lemon Custard Ice Cream

Creamy Lemon Custard Ice Cream


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: About 5 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich, creamy, and tangy homemade lemon custard ice cream made with fresh lemon juice, zest, and egg yolks for a smooth, velvety texture.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Custard Base:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 tsp lemon zest (from about 3 lemons)
  • 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
  • 6 egg yolks

For the Lemon Flavor:

  • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice, strained (about 5 lemons)

Instructions

  • Heat the Cream Mixture – In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Heat over medium-high until bubbles form at the edges. Remove from heat.
  • Temper the Egg Yolks – In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly drizzle in the warm cream mixture while whisking constantly.
  • Cook Until Thickened – Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Add Lemon Juice – Remove from heat and whisk in the strained fresh lemon juice. Blend for extra smoothness (optional).
  • Chill the Custard – Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or use an ice bath to speed up cooling.
  • Churn the Ice Cream – Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.
  • Freeze & Store – Transfer to a freezer-safe container, press parchment paper onto the surface, and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

  • For a stronger lemon flavor, let the zest steep in the cream for an extra 5 minutes before straining.
  • To prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard, add 1 tbsp of vodka or limoncello before churning.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Ice Cream Maker
  • Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg